equally wise?
OLAVUS. No, but what you have not been you frequently become. [_Pause_.
ISRAEL. Won't those people in there try to get away?
OLAVUS. That, too, has been foreseen, just as their desire to discuss
the matter had been reckoned with. Do you know what they are talking of?
ISRAEL. No, I have not the slightest idea.
OLAVUS. They still imagine that King Christian is free, and they are
planning to seek help from him.
ISRAEL. What a senseless thought!
OLAVUS. Especially as Christian is a prisoner.
ISRAEL. It sounds like madness, but when you hear how devoted these
good men of the mining districts are to their King, it cannot surprise
you that they may have in mind the oath binding them to their only
lawful sovereign....
OLAVUS. Now, with your pardon, I _am_ surprised....
ISRAEL. Oh, mercy, I am merely putting myself in their place.
OLAVUS. It is always dangerous to put oneself in the place of traitors.
[_Pause_.
BARBRO. [_Entering from the right, followed by the smaller children_]
Is father here? [_She looks around and discovers_ ISRAEL _seated in the
armchair prepared for the King_] Goodness, here is the King!
[_She kneels, the other children following her example_.
ISRAEL. No, no, dear children, I am not the King. I am only a poor
merchant from Luebeck.
OLAVUS. A noble answer! [_To the children_] This is Herman Israel, the
far-famed and influential councillor, who, with Cord König and Nils
Bröms, saved our King out of Danish captivity and enabled him to carry
out the war of liberation. You will find him on the picture in Saint
Jorghen's Gildhall which represents Gustavus Vasa appearing before the
City Council of Luebeck. Honour to the man who has honour deserved.
Give homage to the friend of your country and your King.
BARBRO _and the_ CHILDREN _clap their hands_.
ISRAEL. [_Rises, evidently touched_] My dear little friends.... All I
can do is to thank you.... I have really not deserved this.... You see,
a merchant does nothing except for payment, and I have been richly paid.
OLAVUS. Don't believe him! But bear in mind that there are services
that can never be paid, and beautiful deeds that can never be wiped out
by ingratitude or forgetfulness.--Go back to your own room now. Your
father will come in a moment.
BARBRO _and the_ CHILDREN _go out to the right_.
ISRAEL. I had never expected such a thing of you, doctor.
OLAVUS. I think I understand why. However, my dear syndic, don't ever
compel us to become ungrateful. Ingratitude is such a heavy burden to
carry.
ISRAEL. What is the use of talking of it? There is nothing of that kind
to be feared.
MONS NILSSON _and_ ANDERS PERSSON _enter from the left_.
MONS. After talking it over, we have decided to go to Stockholm with
the King's good word and safe-conduct, so that we can quietly discuss
the matter with him and the lords of the realm.
OLAVUS. Then my errand here is done, and both of us can leave. I wish
you, Mons Nilsson, and you, Anders Persson, welcome to the capital.
MONS. Thank you, doctor.
MASTER OLAVUS _and_ HERMAN ISRAEL _go out_.
MONS. [_Picking up the bloodstained coats as soon as they are out of
sight_] These shall be our blood-stained banners! King Christian will
furnish the staffs, and then--on to Stockholm!
ANDERS. And down with it!
OLAVUS. [_Returning unexpectedly_] There was one thing I forgot to tell
you. Do you hear?
ANDERS. [_Angrily_] Well!
OLAVUS. King Christian has been captured and made a prisoner at
Sonderborg Castle, in the island of Als.
MONS _and_ ANDERS _show how deeply the news hits them; neither
one has a word to say_.
OLAVUS. You understand, don't you?--Stinderborg Castle, in the island
of Als?
_Curtain_.
[1] Peder Jacobsson Sunnanväder, bishop at Vesterås, and his
archdeacon, Master Knut, both members of the old Catholic clergy, tried
to raise the Dalecarlians against the King in 1524-5, when his hold
on the new throne was still very precarious. The False Sture was a
young Dalecarlian named John Hansson, who had acquired gentle manners
as a servant in noble houses and who posed as the natural son of Sten
Sture the Younger, "National Director" of Sweden until 1520. This
pretender, who headed another Dalecarlian uprising in 1527, figures
also in Ibsen's early historical drama, "Lady Inger." The taking of the
church-bells mentioned by Mons Nilsson's wife took place in 1531 and
resulted in the killing of several of the King's representatives by the
Dalecarlians.
[2] In 1520 Christian II of Denmark made a temporarily successful
effort to bring Sweden back into the union with the other two
Scandinavian kingdoms. Having defeated the Swedish "National Director,"
Sten Sture the Younger, and been admitted to the city of Stockholm,
he caused about eighty of the most influential members of the Swedish
nobility to be beheaded in a single day. That was the "Blood-bath of
Stockholm," by which King Gustavus lost his father and brother-in-law.
On the same occasion his mother and sister were imprisoned, and both
died before they could be set free.
[3] Långheden is a wooded upland plain on the southern border of
Dalecarlia. Brunbeck Ferry or Ford was for centuries the main crossing
point of the Dal River for all who entered the province of Dalecarlia
from the south. Rendered arrogant by the part they had played in
the wars of liberation between 1434 and 1524, the Dalecarlians had
established a claim that not even the King himself had the right to
pass those two border points at the head of an armed force without
first having obtained their permission.
ACT II
FIRST SCENE
_The office of_ HERMAN ISRAEL. _A large room, the walls of
which are covered by cupboards. Door in the rear; doors in both
side walls; few windows, and these very small. A fireplace on
the left-hand side. A large table in the middle of the floor;
armchairs about it. Above the rear door and the fireplace
appears the coat of arms of Luebeck, in black, red, and silver_.
_At the right, a desk with writing material and a pair of
scales. The room contains also several sets of shelves filled
with goods in bundles_.
_One of the cupboard doors stands open, disclosing a number of
altar vessels of gold and silver_.
MARCUS _is weighing some of the vessels at the desk, while_
DAVID _is noting down the weights given him_.
MARCUS. A crucifix of silver, gilded; weighs twelve ounces.
DAVID. [_Writing_] Twelve ounces....
MARCUS. Item: a monstrance of gold--a perfect thumper. Weighs.... Let
me see now.... Oh, it's hollow--and the base is filled with lead....
Put down a question-mark.
DAVID. Question-mark it is.
MARCUS. A paten of silver--well, I don't know. [_He tests the vessel
with his teeth_] It tastes like copper at least. Put it down as "white
metallic substance."
DAVID. White metallic substance.--Do you think those rustics are
cheating us?
MARCUS. Us? Nobody can cheat us!
DAVID. Don't be too certain. Niegels Bröms, the goldsmith, says that
interlopers from Holland are going through the country selling church
vessels full of coggery, probably meant to be exchanged for the genuine
goods.
MARCUS. We'll have to get it back on the bells, which contain a lot of
silver, according to old traditions.
DAVID. The bells--yes, they were to go to Luebeck, but instead they are
going to the royal gun-foundry to be cast into culverins and bombards.
MARCUS. So it is said. If only the Dalecarlians knew of it, they would
come galloping across the border forests, I suppose.
DAVID. I think their galloping came to an end with the recent fall
slaughter.
MARCUS. No, there will be no end to it while the two blackest rogues
are still at leisure....
DAVID. You mean Mons Nilsson of Aspeboda and Anders Persson of
Rankhyttan, who are still hanging about the town, hoping to get an
audience with the King?
MARCUS. Those are the ones.
DAVID. Calling them rogues is rather an exaggeration, and our Principal
seems to put great store on them.
MARCUS. Now, David, don't forget the first and last duty of a Hanseatic
clerk--which is to keep his mouth closed. And bear in mind the
number of talkative young fellows who have vanished for ever through
water-gates and cellar holes. You had better remember!
DAVID. I'll try, although it seems about time for the Hansa itself to
be thinking of the great silence. [_Pause_.
MARCUS. Do you know where the Principal is?
DAVID. With the King, I suppose, taking an inventory of Eskil's
Chamber.[1]
JACOB ISRAEL. [_Enters; he is the son of_ HERMAN ISRAEL; _a richly
dressed young man, carrying a racket in his hand; his forehead is
bandaged_] Is my father here?
MARCUS. No, he is not. I think the Principal is with the King.
JACOB. Then I'll sit down here and wait. Go on with your writing. I
won't disturb you.
[_He seats himself at the big table_.
PRINCE ERIC. [_Enters; he is somewhat older than_ JACOB] Why did you
leave me, Jacob?
JACOB. I was tired of playing.
ERIC. I don't think that was the reason. Some one offended you--some
one who is not my friend.
JACOB. No one has offended me, Prince, but I have such a strong feeling
that I ought not to appear at court.
ERIC. Oh, Jacob, my friend, why do you cease to call your old
schoolmate by name? And why do you look at me like a stranger? Give
me your hand You won't? And I, who have been lonely and deserted ever
since my mother died; who am hated by my stepmother, by my father, and
by my half-brother; I am begging for the friendship which you gave me
once and which you are now taking back.
JACOB. I am not taking back anything, Eric, but we are not allowed
to be friends. The fact that we two, as mere boys, formed ties of
friendship that were nursed by common sufferings, has been ignored or
tolerated by our fathers so far. Now, when you are about to marry a
foreign princess and take possession of a duchy, it has been deemed
politic to separate us.
ERIC. Your words are stilted, as if you meant to hide your own
thoughts, but your feelings are not to be concealed....
JACOB. Pardon me, Eric, but this is not the place for a conversation
like this....
ERIC. Because this is a place for trading, you mean--as if the parties
to such a transaction were degraded by it? I don't object to it,
although I am rather inclined to think the seller more broad-minded
than the buyer.
JACOB _indicates by a gesture the presence of the two clerks_.
ERIC. Oh, let them hear. Marcus and I are old friends, and we met at
the Blue Dove last night.
JACOB. Ugh! Why do you visit a vulgar place like that, Prince?
ERIC. Where can I go? I have no one to talk with at home; and it
seems to me, for that matter, that people are equally good or bad
everywhere--although I prefer what is generally called bad company.--Do
you know John Andersson?
JACOB. [_Embarrassed_] I have never heard his name even. Who is he?
MARCUS _and_ DAVID _go quietly out to the left_.
ERIC. A man from Småland who is full of sensible ideas.--Do you still
need to have your forehead bandaged?
JACOB. Do you think I wear the bandage as an ornament, or as a souvenir
of the city mob?
ERIC. You should not bear a grudge against the good folk because some
scamp has misbehaved himself.
JACOB. I don't, my friend, and I know perfectly well what a stranger
must expect in a hostile country. If you come to Luebeck, you will see
how they stone Swedes.
ERIC. You talk just like Jorghen Persson. Do you know him?
JACOB. I don't.
ERIC. He looks at everything in the same way as you do.
JACOB. How do you mean?
ERIC. He thinks every one is right, and that whatever happens is
_juste_. There is something sensible and enlightened in his view of
life. That's why my father hates him....
JACOB. Don't talk badly of your father. It sounds dreadful--if you will
pardon me!
ERIC. But if he acts badly, why shouldn't I say so? And I hate him, for
that matter!
JACOB. Don't say that--don't! The greatness of your royal father is so
boundless that you can't grasp it.
ERIC. It only looks that way--I know! Last night he came up to me and
put his arm around my shoulders--for the first time in my life--and I,
who have been living in the belief that I barely came up to his hip,
found to my surprise that I am as tall as he. But as soon as I looked
at him from a distance again, he grew taller and turned into a giant.
JACOB. That's what he is. And he resembles one of Buonarotti's
prophets--Isaiah, I think. And, verily, the Lord on high is with him.
ERIC. Do you really believe in God?
JACOB. Are you not ashamed of yourself?
ERIC. Well, what are you to believe in times like these, when kings and
priests persecute the faithful and profane everything that used to be
held sacred. And yet they call themselves "defenders of the faith."
JACOB. Can't we talk of something else? Please, let us!
ERIC. That's what the King always says when I go after him, and for
that reason I hate him still more--as he hates me! Do you know that it
was your father who brought my mother to him from Lauenburg?[2]
JACOB. No, I didn't know that.
ERIC. Yes, but the marriage turned out badly. They hated each other
beyond all bounds--and one day [_he rises in a state of great
agitation_] I saw him raise his stick against her--[_roaring out the
words_] against my mother--and he struck her! That day I lost my
youth[3]--and I can never forgive him--never!
JACOB. [_Leaps to his feet and put his arms about_ Eric] Look at me,
Eric! Look at me! I have a stepmother, too--who is always tormenting me
when I am at home--but hush, hush! If it can help you to hear that I am
worse off than you--very much worse--then--you know it now! Remember
that it won't last for ever, as we are growing up to freedom....
ERIC. And you don't hate her?
JACOB. Such a feeling has no place beside the new one that is now
filling my soul.
ERIC. That means--you are in love.
JACOB. That's what we may call it.... And when your own time comes,
you, too, will see your hatred change form and vanish.
ERIC. I wonder!--Perhaps you are right The lovelessness in which I was
born and brought up has turned into a flame that is consuming my soul.
My blood was poisoned at my birth, and I doubt the existence of an
antidote.... Why do you leave me?
JACOB. Because ... because we are not allowed to be friends--because we
cannot be friends.
ERIC. Do you think me so vile?
JACOB. No, no!--But I mustn't say anything more. Let us part. I shall
always watch your fate with sympathy, for I think you were born to
misfortune.
ERIC. What makes you utter what I have thought so many times?--Do you
know that I was also born to be in the way? I stand in the way of my
father's desire to see Johan on the throne. I stand in the way of his
wish to forget the hated German woman. My mind has not the true Swedish
quality, and the fault lies in my German blood. Although I am a Vasa, I
am Saxony, too, and Lauenburg, and Brunswick. I am so little of a Swede
that it gives me pleasure when the free city of Luebeck imposes a penal
tax on my country--and keeps it humiliated.
JACOB. [_Looking hard at him_] Is that the truth, or do you merely talk
like that out of politeness?
ERIC. [_Puts his hand to his sword, bid regains self-control
immediately_] Do you notice how much I love you, seeing that I
pardon such a question?--Yes, my friend, the first words taught me
by my mother were German, and in German I learned to say my evening
prayers--that old and beautiful "Heil dir, Maria, Mutter Gottes"....
Oh, that time--that time.... [_He weeps_] Oh, damn it! I am crying, I
think!--Come to the Blue Dove to-night, Jacob There you'll find Rhine
wine and merry maidens! Jorghen will be there, too. He's a man you
should know.
JACOB. [_Coldly and shrewdly_] I--shall--come.
ERIC. Thank you, friend! [_Rising_] Really, the place has a look of
pawn-shop.
JACOB. [_Sharply_] That was just what I had in mind before.
ERIC. Well, then we agree to that extent at least. Until to-night,
then! Do you know Agda?
JACOB. [_Brusquely_] No!
ERIC. [_Haughtily, giving him two fingers to shake_, JACOB _pretending
not to notice it_] Farewell!--What became of those two little
pawnbrokers?
JACOB _does not answer_.
ERIC. [_Arrogantly_] Good-bye, then, Baruch!--Have you read the Book of
Baruch?
_Going toward the background, he jingles the altar vessels as
he passes them_.
"The ring of gold, and rattling dice,
And wine brings light to tipsy eyes.
But in the night that light must lack,
To wenches leads each crooked track."
That's a good one, isn't it? I made it myself!
[_He goes out through the rear door_.
HERMAN ISRAEL. [_Enters from the right_] Are you alone?
JACOB. Yes, father.
ISRAEL. I heard somebody speaking.
JACOB. That was the Heir Apparent.
ISRAEL. What did he want?
JACOB. I don't think he has the slightest idea of what he wants.
ISRAEL. Is he your friend?
JACOB. Yes, so he calls himself, but I am not his. Because he thinks
that he is honouring me with his friendship, he flatters himself with
the belief that I return it.
ISRAEL. You are frightfully wise for a young man of your age.
JACOB. Why, it's an axiom in the art of living, that you must not be
the friend of your enemy.
ISRAEL. Can he be made useful?
JACOB. Running errands, perhaps, provided you keep him wholesomely
ignorant of the matter at stake. Otherwise I don't think I ever saw an
heir apparent more useless than this one.
ISRAEL. Do you hate him?
JACOB. No, I pity him too much for that. He is more unfortunate than
he deserves. That he will end badly, seems pretty certain. It seems
clear to himself, too, and to such an extent that he appears anxious to
hasten the catastrophe.
ISRAEL. Listen, my son. I have long noticed that I can keep no secrets
from you, and so I think it is better for me to tell you everything.
Sit down and give me your attention while I walk back and forth.... I
can think only when I am walking....
JACOB. Talk away, father. I am thinking all the time.
ISRAEL. You have probably guessed that some great event is preparing
under the surface You have probably noticed that our free city of
Luebeck is fighting for its rights here in the North. I speak of
rights, because we have the right of the pioneer who has broken new
roads--roads of trade in this case--to demand compensation and profit
from the country on which he has spent his energy. We have taught these
people to employ their natural products and to exchange them with
profit; and we have set Sweden free. Having used us, they wish now to
cast us aside. That's always the way: use--and cast aside! But there
are greater and more powerful interests than those of trade that should
compel the North to join hands with the free cities. The Emperor and
the Pope are one. Our free cities made themselves independent first
of the Emperor and then of the Pope. Now, when this country has been
helped by us and its great King to do the same, we must, willy-nilly,
remain allies against the common enemy. And until quite recently we did
stick together. Then an evil spirit seemed to take possession of this
Vasa. Whether misled by pride or fatigue, he wishes now to enter a path
that must lead us all to disaster.
JACOB. Wait a little.--All of us, you say? You had better say "us of
Luebeck," for the Swedes will gain by entering that path.
ISRAEL. Are you on their side?
JACOB. No, I am not. But I can perfectly well see where their advantage
lies. And I beg you, father, don't try to fight against Vasa, for he is
guided by the hand of the Lord! Have you not recognised that already?
ISRAEL. I wonder how I could be such a fool as to give my confidence to
one still in his nonage!
JACOB. It won't hurt you to have your plans discussed from another
point of view than your own while there is still time to correct them.
And you know, of course, that you can rely on me. Go on, now!
ISRAEL. No, I can't now.
JACOB. The pen won't write when its point has been broken. If you will
not get angry, I can tell you a little more myself.
MARCUS. [_Enters_] The one you have been waiting for is outside, sir.
JACOB. I suppose it is John Andersson.
ISRAEL. Let him wait. [_Motions_ MARCUS _out of the room; then to_
Jacob] Do you know him, too?
JACOB. I have never seen him, but now I can figure out who he is.
ISRAEL. [_Astounded_] You can figure it out, you say?
JACOB. I merely add one thing to another. Now, when the Dalecarlians
have been squelched, a new beginning will have to be made with the good
folk of Småland.
ISRAEL. Of Småland, you say?
JACOB. Yes, I understand that this John Andersson is from Småland. I
don't think his name is John Andersson, however, but--[_in a lower
voice_] Nils Dacke![4]
ISRAEL. Have you been spying?
JACOB. No, I merely listen, and look, and add together.
ISRAEL. Well, you have made a false calculation this time.
JACOB. Thus you tell me that there are two persons concerned in the
matter, and that Nils Dacke is the silent partner who will not appear
until the war has begun.
ISRAEL. I am afraid of you.
JACOB. You shouldn't be, father. I dare not do anything wrong, because
then I am always made to suffer.
ISRAEL. Do you think I am doing anything wrong?
JACOB. You are more likely than I to do so, because, like Prince Eric,
you believe in nothing.
ISRAEL. And such a thing I must hear from my own child!
JACOB. It is better than to hear it from other people's children--later
on.
MARCUS. [_Enters_] Two Dalecarlians ask to see you.
ISRAEL. Tell them to wait.
MARCUS _goes out_.
JACOB. They'll pay for it with their heads.
ISRAEL. Who are they, then?
JACOB. Anders Persson of Rankhyttan and Mons Nilsson of Aspeboda, who
have tried in vain to get an audience with the King, and who are now
moved by their futile anger to turn to you for revenge.
ISRAEL. So you know that, too?
JACOB. Without wishing to show you any disrespect, father--how can a
man of your age believe that secrets exist?
ISRAEL. Time has run away from me. I don't know any longer where I
stand.
JACOB. Now you speak the truth! And I don't think that you estimate the
results of your venture correctly.
ISRAEL. That will appear in due time. But now you must go, for even if
you know of my venture, you must not become involved in it.
JACOB. I shall obey, but you must listen to me.
ISRAEL. No, you must listen to me! Tell Marcus that I shall expect my
visitors in the hall of state. You stay here with David and pack all
valuables into boxes ready to be sent southward.
JACOB. Father!
ISRAEL. Silence!
JACOB. One word: don't rely on me if you should do anything wrong!
ISRAEL. There is one thing _you_ may rely on; that, having power of
life and death in this house, I shall see that every traitor is tried
and executed, whether he be my own son or no. First comes my country,
then my family; but first and last--my Arty! [_He puts his hand on his
sword_] And now--go!
_Curtain_.
SECOND SCENE
_A large room in the Blue Dove Inn. Wainscotted walls, with
tankards and jugs ranged along the shelf above the panels.
Benches fastened to the walls and covered with cushions and
draperies. In the background, a corner-stand with potted
flowers and bird-cages. Sconces containing wax candles are
hung on the walls; candelabra stand on a table that also
contains bowls of fruit, beakers, goblets, tumblers, dice,
playing-cards, and a lute_.
_It is night_. PRINCE ERIC _and_ JORGHEN PERSSON _are seated
at the table. They are looking pale and tired, and have ceased
drinking_.
ERIC. You want to go to sleep, Jorghen, and I prefer to dream while
still awake. To go to bed is to me like dying: to be swathed in linen
sheets and stretch out in a long bed like a coffin. And then the corpse
has the trouble of washing itself and reading its own burial service.
JORGHEN. Are you afraid of death, Prince?
ERIC. As the children are afraid of going to bed, and I am sure I'll
cry like a child when my turn comes. If I only knew what death is!
JORGHEN. Some call it a sleep, and others an awakening, but no one
knows anything with certainty.
ERIC. How could we possibly know anything of that other life, when we
know so little of this one?
JORGHEN. Yes, what is life?
ERIC. One large madhouse, it seems to me! Think of my sane and shrewd
and sensible father--doesn't he act like a madman? He rids the
country of foreigners and takes the heads of those that helped him. He
rids the country of foreigners only to drag in a lot of others, like
Peutinger and Norman,[5] whom he puts above the lords of the realm
and all other authorities. He is mad, of course!--He rids the Church
of human inventions only to demand the acceptance of new inventions
at the penalty of death. This liberator is the greatest tyrant that
ever lived, and yet this tyrant is the greatest liberator that ever
lived! This evening, you know, he wanted to prohibit me from coming
here; and when I insisted on going all the same, he threw his Hungarian
war-hammer after me, as if he had been the god Thor chasing the trolls.
He came within an inch of killing me, just as it is said--which you may
not have heard--that he killed my mother.
JORGHEN. [_Becoming attentive_] No, I never heard of that.
ERIC. That's what they say. And I can understand it. There is greatness
in it. To feel raised above all human considerations; to kill whatever
stands in the way? and trample everything else.... Sometimes, you know,
when I see him coming in his big, soft hat and his blue cloak, using
his boar-spear in place of a stick, I think he is Odin himself. When he
is angry, the people say that they can hear him from the top story down
to the cellars, and that the sound of it is like thunder. But I am not
afraid of him, and that's why he hates me. At the same time he has a
great deal of respect for me. [JORGHEN _smiles sceptically_] Yes, you
may smile! That's only because you have no respect for anything; not,
even for yourself.
JORGHEN. That least of all.
ERIC. Are you really such a beast?
JORGHEN. That's what every one thinks me, so I suppose I must believe
it.
ERIC. [_Returning to his previous idea_] And.... There is a thought
that pursues me.... He looks like old Odin, I said: Odin who has
returned to despoil the temples of the Christians just as they once
robbed his temples.... You should have seen them weighing and counting
church treasures at Herman Israel's yesterday. It was ghastly!...
And do you know, he is lucky in everything he undertakes. There is
favourable wind whenever he goes sailing; the fish bite whenever he
goes fishing; he wins whenever he gambles. They say that he was born
with a caul....
JORGHEN. A most unusual man.
ERIC. Do you know young Jacob, the son of Herman Israel? He promised to
come here to-night. Rather precocious, perhaps, but with sensible ideas
on certain subjects--and I think I admire some of his qualities because
I lack them myself.
JORGHEN. Is that so?
ERIC. Otherwise he is probably a perfect rascal like his father.
JORGHEN. Then I shall be pleased to make his acquaintance.
ERIC. Because he is a rascal?--Ha-ha!
JORGHEN. In spite of it!
AGDA. [_Enters from the left_] Did you call me, Prince?
ERIC. No, but you are always welcome. Sit down here.
AGDA. The honour is too great for me.
ERIC. Of course, it is!
AGDA. And so I leave--to save my honour.
ERIC. Dare you sting, you gnat?
AGDA. That's your fancy only. I am too sensible and humble to hurt the
feelings of a great lord like yourself, my Prince.
ERIC. Very good! Very good, indeed! Come here and talk to me a little
more.
AGDA. If your lordship commands, I must talk, of course, but....
ERIC. Give me the love that I have begged for so long!
AGDA. What one does not have one cannot give away.
ERIC. Alas!
AGDA. Not loving your lordship, I cannot give you any love.
ERIC. _Diantre_!--Give me your favour, then!
AGDA. Favours are not given away, but sold.
ERIC. Listen to that! It is as if I heard my wise Jacob himself
philosophising. [_To_ JORGHEN] Did you ever hear anything like it?
JORGHEN. All wenches learn that kind of patter from their lovers.
ERIC. Don't talk like that! This girl has won my heart.
JORGHEN. And some one else has won hers.
ERIC. How do you know?
JORGHEN. You can hear it at once, even though the proofs be not visible.
ERIC. Do you believe in love?
JORGHEN. In its existence, yes, but not in its duration.
ERIC. Do you know how a woman's love is to be won?
JORGHEN. All that's necessary is to be "the right one." If you are not,
your case is hopeless.
ERIC. That's a riddle.
JORGHEN. One of the greatest.
ERIC. Who do you think can be my rival?
JORGHEN. Some clerk, or pikeman, or rich horsemonger.
ERIC. And I who am not afraid of tossing my handkerchief to the proud
virgin-queen that rules Britannia!
JORGHEN. Yet it's true.
ERIC. Perhaps Agda is too modest--and does not dare to believe in the
sincerity of my feelings?
JORGHEN. I don't believe anything of the kind.
_A noise is heard outside the door in the rear_.
PRINCE JOHAN [_Enters_] I hope my dear brother will pardon my intrusion
at this late hour, but I have been sent by our father out of fond
concern for my dear brother's....
ERIC. Be quick and brief, Jöns, or sit down and use a beaker as
punctuation mark! The sum of it is: the old man wants me to come home
and go to bed. Reply: the Heir Apparent decides for himself when he is
to sleep.
JOHAN. I shall not convey such a reply, especially as my dear brother's
disobedience may have serious results in this case.
ERIC. Won't you sit down and drink a goblet, Duke?
JOHAN. Thank you, Prince, but I don't wish to cause my father sorrow.
ERIC. How dreadfully serious that sounds!
JOHAN. It is serious. Our father has new and greater worries to face
because disturbances have been reported from the southern provinces,
especially from Småland.... And as it is possible that the King may
have to leave his capital, he looks to the Heir Apparent for assistance
in the administration of the government.
ERIC. Half of which is nothing but lies, of course--and then there are
such a lot of people governing already. Go in peace, my brother. I
shall come when I come.
JOHAN. My duty is done, and all I regret is being unable to gain more
of my brother's ear; of his heart I possess no part at all! [_He goes
out_.
ERIC. [_To_ JORGHEN] Can you make anything out of that boy?
JORGHEN. I can't.
ERIC. I wonder if he believes in his own preachings?
JORGHEN. That is just the worst of it. Ordinary rascals like you and
me, who don't believe in anything, can't get words of that kind over
their lips; and for that reason we can never deceive anybody.
ERIC. You _are_ a beast, Jorghen.
JORGHEN. Of course, I am.
ERIC. Is there nothing good in you at all?
JORGHEN. Not a trace! And besides--what is good? [_Pause_] My mother
was always saying that I should end on the gallows. Do you think one's
destiny is predetermined?
ERIC. That's what Master Dionysius asserts--the Calvinist who uses Holy
Writ to prove that the dispensation of grace is not at all dependent on
man.
JORGHEN. Come on with the gallows then! That's the grace dispensed to
me.
ERIC. That fellow Jacob says always that I was born to misfortune, and
that's what father says, too, when he gets angry. What do you think my
end will be?
JORGHEN. Was it not Saint Augustine who said that he who has been
coined into a groat can never become a ducat?
ERIC. That's right. But I don't think we have drunk enough to make
us start any theological disputes. Here we have been disputing for a
lifetime now, and every prophet has been fighting all the rest. Luther
has refuted Augustine, Calvin has refuted Luther, Zwingli has refuted
Calvin, and John of Leyden has refuted all of them. So we know now just
where we stand!
JORGHEN. Yes, it's nothing but humbug, and if it were not for that kind
of humbug, I should never have been born.
ERIC. What do you mean?
JORGHEN. Oh, you know perfectly well that my father was a monk who went
off and got married when they closed the monasteries. It means that
I'm a product of perjury and incest, as my father broke his oath and
established an illicit relationship like any unclean sheep.
ERIC. You _are_ a beast, Jorghen!
JORGHEN. Have I ever denied it?
ERIC. No, but there are limits....
JORGHEN. Where?
ERIC. Here and there! A certain innate sense of propriety generally
suggests the--approximate limits.
JORGHEN. Are you dreaming again, you dreamer?
ERIC. Take care! There are limits even to friendship....
JORGHEN. No, mine is limitless!
JACOB _is shown into the room by_ AGDA, _whose hand he presses_.
ERIC. [_Rising_] There you are at last, Jacob! You have kept me waiting
a long time, and just now I was longing for you.
JACOB. Pardon me, Prince, but my thoughts were so heavy that I did not
wish to bring them into a merry gathering.
ERIC. Yes, we are devilishly merry, Jorghen and I! This is Jorghen
Persson, you see--my secretary, and a very enlightened and clever man,
but a perfect rascal otherwise, as you can judge from his horrible
looks and treacherous eyes.
JORGHEN. At your service, my dear sir!
ERIC. Sit down and philosophise with us, Jacob. Of course, I promised
you pretty maidens, but we have only one here, and she is engaged.
JACOB. [_Startled_] What do you mean by--engaged?
ERIC. That she has bestowed her heart on somebody, so that you may save
yourself the trouble of searching her bosom for it.
JACOB. Are you talking of Agda?
ERIC. Do you know Agda the Chaste, who has told us that she would sell
her favours, but never give them away?
AGDA. My God, I never, never meant anything of the kind!
JACOB. No, she cannot possibly have meant it that way.
ERIC. She has said it.
JACOB. It must be a lie.
ERIC. [_His hand on his sword-hilt_] The devil, you say!
JORGHEN. A tavern brawl of the finest water! The words have been given
almost correctly, but they were not understood as they were meant.
ERIC. Do you dare to takes sides against me, you rascal?
JORGHEN. Listen, friends....
ERIC. _With_ a hussy _against_ your master....
JACOB. She's no hussy!
AGDA. Thank you, Jacob! Please tell them everything....
ERIC. Oh, there is something to tell, then? Well, well! [_To_ JORGHEN]
And you must needs appear as the defender of innocence!
_He makes a lunge at_ JORGHEN, _who barely manages to get out
of the way_.
JORGHEN. Why the deuce must you always come poking after me when
somebody else has made a fool of himself? Stop it, damn you!
Eric. [_To_ JACOB] So this is my rival! Ha-ha-ha! A fellow like you!
_Ventre-saint-gris!_
_He loses all control of himself and finally sinks on a chair,
seized with an epileptic fit_.
JACOB. Once you honoured me with your friendship, Prince, for which I
could only give you pity in return. As I did not wish to be false, I
asked you to let me go....
ERIC. [_Leaping to his feet_] Go to the devil!
JACOB. Yes, I am going, but first you must hear what I and Agda have in
common--something you can never understand, as you understand nothing
but hatred, and for that reason never can win love....
ERIC. _Diantre!_ And I who can have the virgin-queen, the proud maiden
of Britannia, at my feet any time I care ha-ha, ha-ha!
JACOB. King David had five hundred proud maidens, but for happiness he
turned to his humble servant's only wife....
ERIC. Must I hear more of that sort of thing?
JACOB. A great deal more!
ERIC. [_Rushing at_ JACOB] Die, then!
_The guard enters by the rear door_.
CAPTAIN OF THE GUARD [_An old, white-bearded_ man]. Your sword, if you
please, Prince Eric!
ERIC. What is this?
CAPTAIN. [_Handing_ ERIC _a document_] The King's order. You are under
arrest....
ERIC. Go to the devil, old Stenbock!
CAPTAIN. That's not a princely answer to a royal command!
ERIC. Yes, talk away!
CAPTAIN. [_Goes up to_ ERIC _and forests the sword out of his hand;
then he turns him over to the guard_] Away with him! And put him in the
tower! That's order number one! [ERIC _is led toward the door_] Then
comes number two--Mr. Secretary! [_To the guard_] Put on the handcuffs!
And then--to the Green Vault with him! To-morrow at cockcrow--ten
strokes of the rod!
JORGHEN. [_As he is seized by the guard_] Must I be spanked because
_he_ won't go to bed?
ERIC. Do you dare to lay hands on the Heir Apparent? 'Sdeath!
CAPTAIN. God is still alive, and so is the King!--March on!----
ERIC _and_ JORGHEN _are led out by the guard_.
CAPTAIN. [_To_ AGDA] And now you'll close your drink-shop. That's the
final word. And as there is no question about it, you need not make any
answer.
_He goes out after the guard and the prisoners_.
JACOB. Always this titanic hand that is never seen and always felt!
Now it has been thrust out of a cloud to alter our humble fates. The
liberator of the country has descended during the darkness of night to
set my little bird free.--Will you take flight with me?
AGDA. Yes, with you--and far away!
JACOB. But where?
AGDA. The world is wide!
JACOB. Come, then!
_Curtain_.
[1] A subterranean vault in the Royal Palace at Stockholm used by the
thrifty King Gustavus for the storing of gold and silver and other
valuables. Compare the warning of Nils Söderby to Mons Nilsson's wife
in the first act: "Look out for the silver--the King is coming."
[2] The first wife of Gustavus was the Princess Catherine of
Saxe-Lauenburg, whom he married in 1531, and who died in 1535. She was
of a very peculiar temperament and caused much trouble between the King
and his relatives by her reckless talk. Prince Eric was born in 1533.
[3] This is an excellent illustration of the freedom taken by
Strindberg in regard to the actual chronology of the historical facts
he is using. Eric was little more than a year old when his mother died.
Strindberg knew perfectly well what he was doing, his reason being that
the motive ascribed to Eric's hatred of his father strengthens the
dramatic quality of the play in a very high degree.
[4] A peasant chieftain, who headed the most dangerous rebellion
Gustavus had to contend with during his entire reign. The southern
province of Småland had for years been the scene of peasant
disturbances when, in 1541, Dacke took command of the scattered
flocks and merged them into an army which defied the King's troops
for nearly two years. Dacke was as able as he was ambitious. He was
in communication with the German Emperor and other foreign enemies of
Gustavus, and on one occasion the latter had actually to enter into
negotiations with the rebel. In accordance with his invariable custom,
Gustavus did not rely on hired soldiery, but turned to the people of
the other provinces, explaining and appealing to them with such success
that a sufficient army was raised and Dacke beaten and killed in 1543.
[5] In his effort to reorganise the country and its administration
on a businesslike basis, Gustavus turned first to Swedes like Olavus
Petri and Laurentius Andreæ, his first chancellor. But these were as
independent of mind as he was himself, and there was not a sufficient
number of them. Then Gustavus turned to Germany, whence a host of
adventurers as well as able, honest men swarmed into the country. The
two best known and most trusted of these foreigners were Georg Norman,
who rendered valuable services in organising the civil administration,
and Conrad von Pyhy, said to be a plain charlatan named Peutinger, who
was made Chancellor of the Realm.
ACT III
_The King's study. The background consists almost wholly of
large windows, some of which have panes of stained glass.
Several of the windows are open, and through these may be seen
trees in the first green of spring. Mast tops with flying
flags, and church spires are visible above the tops of the
trees_.
_Beneath the windows are benches set in the walls. Their seats
are covered by many-coloured cushions_.
_At the right, a huge open fireplace, richly decorated.
The recently adopted national coat of arms appears on the
mantelpiece. A door on the same side leads to the waiting-room_.
_A chair of state with canopy occupies the centre of the left
wall. In front of it stands a long oak table covered with
green cloth. On the table are a folio Bible, an inkstand,
candlesticks, a war-hammer, and a number of other things. A
door on the same side, nearer the background, leads to the
royal apartments_.
_The floor is covered with animal skins and rugs_.
_The walls display paintings of Old Testament subjects. The
most conspicuous of these represents "The Lord appearing unto
Abraham in the plains of Mamre." The picture of Abraham bears a
strong resemblance to the King_.
_An Arabian water-bottle of clay and a silver cup stand on a
small cabinet_.
_Near the door at the right hang a long and wide blue cloak and
a big black felt hat. A short boar-spear is leaned against the
wall_.
_The_ KING, _lost in thought, stands by one of the open windows
where the full sunlight pours over him. He has on a black dress
of Spanish cut, with yellow linings that show in the seams and
through a number of slits. Over his shoulders is thrown a short
cloak trimmed with sable. His hair is blond, and his tremendous
beard, reaching almost to his waist, is still lighter in
colour._
_The_ QUEEN _enters from the left. She wears a yellow dress
with black trimmings_.
KING. [_Kissing her brow_] Good morrow, my rose!
QUEEN. A splendid morning!
KING. The first spring day after a long winter.
QUEEN. Is my King in a gracious mood to-day?
KING. My graciousness is not dependent on weather or wind.--Go on now!
Is it a question of Eric?
QUEEN. It is.
KING. Well, he has my good grace once more after having slept himself
sober in the tower. And Jorghen comes next, I suppose?
QUEEN. Yes.
KING. He, on the other hand, will not have my good grace until he
reforms.
QUEEN. But....
KING. He is bad through and through, and he is spoiling Eric. Whatever
may be the cause of his badness, I cannot dispose of it, but I can
check the effects. Have you any more protégés of the same kind?
QUEEN. I won't say anything more now.
KING. Then we can talk of something else. How is my mother-in-law?
QUEEN. Oh, you know.
KING. And Johan? Where is Johan?
QUEEN. He is not far away.
KING. I wish he were still nearer--nearer to me--so near that he could
succeed me when the time comes.
QUEEN. It is not right to think like that, and still less to talk like
that, when a higher Providence has already decided in favour of Prince
Eric.
KING. Well, I can't tell whether it was vanity that fooled me into
looking for a foreign princess or wisdom that kept me away from the
homes of our Swedish nobility--one hardly ever knows what one is doing.
QUEEN. That's true.
KING. But the feet that I became the brother-in-law of the Danish
king helped the country to get peace, and so nobody has any right to
complain.
QUEEN. The country first!
KING. The country first and last. That's why Eric must be married.
QUEEN. Do you really think he has any hopes with the English queen.
KING. I don't know, but we must find out--that is, without risking the
honour of the country. It is not impossible. We have had a British
princess on the throne before.
QUEEN. Who was that?
KING. Don't you know that Queen Philippa was a daughter of King Henry
IV?[1]
QUEEN. No, I didn't know that.
KING. Then I suppose you don't know, either, that the Folkungs were
among your ancestors, and that you are also descended from King
Waldemar, the Conqueror of Denmark?[2]
QUEEN. No, no! I thought the bloody tale of the Folkungs was ended long
ago.
KING. Let us hope it is! But your maternal ancestor was nevertheless
a daughter of Eric Ploughpenny of Denmark and had a son with her
brother-in-law, King Waldemar of Sweden, the son of Earl Birger....
QUEEN. Why do you tell me all these dreadful stories?
KING. I thought it might amuse you to know that you have royal blood in
your veins, while I have peasant blood. You are too modest, Margaret,
and I wish to see you exalted--so high that that fool Eric will be
forced to respect you.
QUEEN. To have sprung from a crime should make one more modest.
KING. Well, that's enough about that. Was there anything else?
_The_ QUEEN _hesitates_.
KING. You are thinking of Anders Persson and Mons Nilsson, but I won't
let you talk of them.
_The_ QUEEN _kneels before him_.
KING. Please, get up! [_As she remains on her knees_] Then I must leave
you. [_He goes out to the left_.
PRINCE ERIC _enters from the right; he is pale and unkempt, and
his face retains evidence of the night's carouse_.
_The_ QUEEN _rises, frightened_.
ERIC. Did I scare you?
QUEEN. Not exactly.
ERIC. I can take myself out of the way. I was only looking for a glass
of water.
_He goes to the water-bottle, fills a cup full of water and
gulps it down; then another, and still another_.
QUEEN. Are you sick?
ERIC. [_Impertinently_] Only a little leaky.
QUEEN. What do you mean?
ERIC. Well, dry, if you please. The more wine you drink, the dryer gets
your throat. The wetter, the dryer--that's madness, like everything
else.
QUEEN. Why do you hate me?
ERIC. [_Cynically_] Because I am not allowed to love you. [_In the
meantime he continues to pour down one glass of water after the other_]
You must not be in love with your step-mother and yet you must love
her: that's madness, too.
QUEEN. Why do you call me stepmother?
ERIC. Because that's the word, and that's what you are. Is that clear?
If it is, then that isn't madness at least.
QUEEN. You have the tongue of a viper.
ERIC. And the reason, too.
QUEEN, But no heart!
ERIC. What could I do with it? Throw it at the feet of the women to be
defiled by them?--My heart lies buried in my mother's coffin in the
vault of the Upsala cathedral. I was only four years old when it was
put there, but there it lies with her, and they tell me there was a
hole in her head as if she had been struck by the hammer of Thor--which
I did not see, however. When I asked to see my mother for the last
time at the burial, they had already screwed on the coffin lid. Well,
there lies my heart--the only one I ever had What have you to do with
my entrails, for that matter? Or with my feelings?--Look out for my
reason; that's all! I grasp your thoughts before you have squeezed
them out of yourself. I understand perfectly that you would like to
see the crown placed on the red hair of that red devil whom you call
son, and whom I must needs call brother. He insists that he has more
ancestors than I, and that he is descended from Danish kings. If that's
so, he has a lot of fine relatives. Eric Ploughpenny had his head cut
off. Abel killed his brother and was killed in turn. Christoffer was
poisoned. Eric the Blinking was stuck like a pig.--I have no elegant
relatives like those, but if heredity counts, I must keep an eye on my
dear brother.
QUEEN. Nobody can talk of anything but blood and poison to-day. The sun
must have risen on the wrong side this fine morning!
ERIC. The sun is a deceiver; don't trust it. Blood will be shed in this
place before nightfall. Eric and Abel were the names of those elegant
relatives; not Cain and Abel! And that time it was Abel who killed
Cain--no, Eric, I mean! That's a fine omen to start with! Eric was
killed! Poor Eric!
QUEEN. Alas, alas!
ERIC. But it is of no use to take any stock in superstition, as I
entered this vale of misery with my fist full of blood.
QUEEN. Now you do scare me!
ERIC. [_Laughing_] That's more than Jorghen would believe--that I
could scare anybody.
QUEEN. What blood is to be shed here to-day?
ERIC. I am not sure, but it is said that those Dalecarlians will have
their heads cut off.
QUEEN. Can it not be prevented?
ERIC. If it is to be, it cannot be prevented, but must come as thunder
must come after lightning. And besides, what does it matter? Heads are
dropping off here like ripe apples.
_The_ KING _enters reading a document. The_ QUEEN _meets him
with a supplicating look_.
KING. [_Hotly_] If you have any faith in me at all, Margaret, cease
your efforts to judge in matters of state. I have been investigating
for two years without being able to make up my mind. How can you, then,
hope to grasp this matter?--Go in to the children now. I have a word
to say to Eric!
_The_ QUEEN _goes out_.
KING. If you could see yourself as you are now, Eric, you would despise
yourself!
ERIC. So I do anyhow!
KING. Nothing but talk! If you did despise yourself, you would change
your ways.
ERIC. I cannot make myself over.
KING. Have you ever tried?
ERIC. I have.
KING. Then your bad company must counteract your good intentions.
ERIC. Jorghen is no worse than anybody else, but he has the merit of
knowing himself no better than the rest.
KING. Do you bear in mind that you are to be king some time?
ERIC. Once I am king, the old slips will be forgotten.
KING. There you are mistaken again. I am still paying for old slips.
However, if you are not willing to obey me as a son, you must obey me
as a subordinate.
ERIC. The Heir Apparent is no subject!
KING. That's why I used the word "subordinate." And all are subordinate
to the King.
ERIC. Must I obey blindly?
KING. As long as you are blind, you must obey blindly. When you get
your sight, you will obey with open eyes. But obey you must!--Wait only
till you have begun to command, and you will soon see how much more
difficult that is, and how much more burdensome.
ERIC. [_Pertly_] Pooh!
KING. [_Angrily_] Idiot!--Go and wash the dirt off yourself, and see
that your hair is combed. And rinse that filthy mouth of yours first of
all, so that you don't stink up my rooms. Go now--or I'll give you a
week in the tower to sober up. And if that should not be enough, I'll
take off your ears, so that you can never wear a crown. Are those words
plain enough?
ERIC. The law of succession....
KING. I make laws of that kind to suit myself! Do you understand
now?--That's all!--Away!
PRINCE ERIC _goes out_.
COURTIER. [_Enters from the right_] Herman Israel, Councillor of
Luebeck!
KING. Let him come.
_The_ COURTIER _goes out_. HERMAN ISRAEL _enters shortly
afterward_.
KING. [_Meets him and shakes his hand; then he puts his arm about his
neck and leads him across the floor in that manner]_ Good day, my dear
old friend, and welcome! Sit down, sit down! [_He seats himself on the
chair of state, and_ ISRAEL _sits down across the table_] So you have
just come from Dalecarlia?
ISRAEL. That's where I was lately.
KING. I was there, too, as you know, to straighten out the mess left
after the False Sture and the fight about the bells, but you stayed on
when I left.--Did you keep an eye on Master Olavus Petri? What sort of
a man has he turned out? Can I trust him?
ISRAEL. Absolutely! He is not only the most faithful, but the cleverest
negotiator I have seen.
KING. Really, Herman? I am glad to hear that. Do you really think so,
Herman? Well, you know the old affair between him and me, and how that
was settled. But it _was_ settled!--So much for that. Let us talk of
our affairs now.
ISRAEL. As you say. But let us keep our words as well as actions under
control.
KING. [_Playing with the war-hammer_] All right! Control yours as much
as you please.
ISRAEL. [_Pointing at the hammer_] For the sake of old friendship and
good faith, can't we put that away?
KING. Ha-ha! With pleasure, if you are afraid of it, Herman!--Go on
now! But cut it short!
ISRAEL. Then I'll start at the end. The country's debt to Luebeck has
been paid, and we are about to part.
KING. That sounds like writing! However, we shall part as friends.
ISRAEL. As allies rather....
KING. So _that's_ what you are aiming at, Israel?--No, I have had
enough of dependence.
ISRAEL. Listen, your Highness, or Majesty, or whatever I am to call
you....
KING. Call me Gustav, as you used to do when I called you father.
ISRAEL. Well, my son, there are many things that drive us apart--many,
indeed--but there is one thing that keeps us together: our common,
legitimate opposition to the Emperor....
KING. Right you are! And that's the reason why we can rely on each
other without any written treaties.
ISRAEL. You forget one thing, my son: that I am a merchant....
KING. And I the customer. Have you been paid?
ISRAEL. Paid? Yes.... But there are things that cannot be paid in
money....
KING. It is for me to speak of the gratitude I owe you and the free
city of Luebeck ever since the day I first came to you--a young man
who thought himself deserted by God, and who knew himself deserted
by all humanity. Be satisfied to find my gratitude expressed in the
friendly feelings I harbour and show toward you. A debt like that
cannot be paid in money, and still less in treaties.--Why do you want
any treaties? In order to tie me and the country for a future of
uncertain duration?--Don't force me to become ungrateful, Herman! On my
soul, I have enough as it is to burden me--far too much!
ISRAEL. What is weighing on you, my son?
KING. This.... Oh, will you believe me, Herman, old friend, that
lawyer form a decision or pass a judgment without having turned to the
Eternal and Almighty Lord for advice? When, after fasting, prayer, and
meditation, I have got the answer from above that I was asking for,
then I strike gladly, even if it be my own heart-roots that must be cut
off. But you remember Master John.... John, the old friend of my youth,
who assisted me in that first bout with Christian? He changed heart and
incited the Dalecarlians to rise against me. His head had to fall, and
it did fall! [_Rising_] Since that day my peace is gone. My nearest and
dearest don't look at me in the same way they used to do. My own wife,
my beloved Margaret.... She turns away from me when I want to kiss her
pure brow, and can you imagine? Yesterday, at the dinner-table, she
kept looking at my hand as if she had seen blood on it!--I don't regret
what I did. I have no right to regret it. I was right--by God, I was
right! But nevertheless--my peace is gone!
ISRAEL. [_Pensively_] Those feelings are an honour to your heart, my
son, and I must admit that I didn't think you quite as sensitive....
KING. Never mind! It was not meant as a boast. But now I find myself in
the same situation again. Tell me, Herman, what you think of Anders
Persson and Mons Nilsson.
ISRAEL. [_Disturbed_] Will my opinion have any influence on their fate,
or have you already made up your mind?
KING. I am still in doubts, as you ought to know.
ISRAEL. Then I must ask permission to remain silent.
KING. Are you my friend?
ISRAEL. Yes, up to a certain point. But you must not trust me too far,
as I am not my own master and have no right to give away what is not
mine.
KING. Fie on such astuteness!
ISRAEL. You should get some of it yourself!
KING. I'll try.--First of all you must give me a final receipt for the
country's paid-up debt.
ISRAEL. I don't carry such documents with me, and the receipt has to be
signed by the Council in regular session.
KING. [_Smiting the table with the hammer_] Herman!
ISRAEL. Please put that thing away!
KING. I can see that you wish to lead me where I don't want to go. You
have some purpose in mind that I can't make out. Speak out, old man, or
you'll have me in a rage! You want to coax me into signing some kind of
paper. What is it?
ISRAEL. Nothing but a treaty providing for mutual friendship and mutual
trade. That's all!
KING. And that I will never sign! I know all about Luebeck's friendship
as well as its trade. Talk of something else!
ISRAEL. I have nothing else to talk of. Why don't you believe me?
KING. Because you lie!
ISRAEL. Because you are unfortunate enough to think that I lie, you
will never know the truth.
KING. Yes, unfortunate, indeed--as unfortunate as a man can be, for I
have not a single friend.
ISRAEL. It hurts me to hear you talk like that, Gustav, and--and it
makes me sad to see that your greatness and your exalted office have
brought you so little true happiness. I shall say nothing more about
gratitude, because the idea of it is too vague in human minds, but I
have loved you like a son ever since that hour when the Lord of Hosts
put your fate in my hands. I have followed your brilliant course as
if it had been my own. I have joyed over your successes, and I have
sorrowed over your sorrows.... Frequently my duties toward my own
people have kept me from lending you a helping hand. Frequently, too,
your own hardness has stood between us. But now, when I behold you so
deeply crushed, and when you have treated me with a confidence that
I may well call filial, I shall forget for a moment that I am your
enemy--which I must be as a man of Luebeck, while as Herman Israel I am
your friend. I shall forget that I am a merchant, and--[_Pause_] I hope
that I may never regret it--[_Pause_] and--and.... Do you know John
Andersson?
KING. I don't.
ISRAEL. But I do, and I know Anders Persson and Mons Nilsson, too! They
called on me yesterday, and--to-morrow the southern provinces will rise
in rebellion!
KING. So _that's_ what was coming? Oh! Who is John Andersson?
ISRAEL. Hard to tell. But back of his face appears another one that
looks like the devil's own. Have you heard the name of Dacke?
KING. Yes, but only in a sort of dream. Dacke?--Dacke?--It sounds like
the cawing of a jackdaw.--Who is he?
ISRAEL. Nobody knows. It is the name of one invisible, whom all know
and none have seen. But that name has been seen on a letter signed
by--the Emperor.
KING. The Emperor?
ISRAEL. The Emperor of the Holy Roman and German Empire!
KING. Fairy-tales!
ISRAEL. You won't believe me? Investigate!
KING. I believe you and I thank you!--You say that Anders Persson and
Mons Nilsson have been plotting with the rebels right here in my own
city?
ISRAEL. As surely as I have ears to hear with.
KING. My God! My God!--Then I know what to do with them! Two years of
struggle with myself and my conscience, and at last I know what to do
with them! At last!
COURTIER. [_Bringing in_ JACOB ISRAEL] Jacob Israel of Luebeck!
KING. Who dares to disturb me?
JACOB. [_Throwing himself at the_ KING'S _feet without noticing his
father_] My noble King, an humble youth has ventured to disturb you
because your life is at stake!
KING. Speak up! What more? Who are you?
JACOB. I am Jacob Israel, your Highness.
KING, [_to_ ISRAEL] It's your Jacob, is it not?
JACOB _is thunderstruck at the sight of his father_.
ISRAEL. It's my boy.
KING. What do you want? Speak quickly, or away with you!
JACOB _does not answer_.
KING. Who is after my life? If you mean John Andersson or Dacke, I know
it already.--For the sake of your good intention and your youth, but
particularly for the sake of your father, I shall forgive you.
ISRAEL. But I have no right to forgive so quickly.--You came here to
accuse your father? Answer me yes or no.
JACOB. Yes!
ISRAEL. Go then, and take my curse with you!
JACOB. [_Kneeling before_ ISRAEL] Forgive, father!
ISRAEL. No more your father! You silly, impudent youth, who think that
you understand the art of statesmanship and the laws of honour better
than he who brought you into the world! What you did not foresee was
that I might change my mind.
KING. Oh, forgive him, Herman!
ISRAEL. I have forgiven him already, but our sacred laws will never
do so. Take this ring, Jacob, and go to--you know whom!--But bid me
good-bye first.
JACOB. [_Throwing himself into the arms of his father_] Take away your
curse, father!
ISRAEL _wets one of his fingers, makes a sign with it on his
son's forehead, and mutters a few inaudible words. Then he
kisses_ JACOB _on both cheeks and leads him to the door at the
right, through which the young man disappears_.
KING. What are you two doing?
ISRAEL. [_Deeply stirred_] That is a family secret. Now we can go on.
KING. Or quit. You have given me proof of your unswerving friendship,
Herman, and I thank you for the last time. Give me your hand!
ISRAEL. Not to promise anything that cannot be kept!
KING. No promises, then! Farewell, and peace be with you!
ISRAEL. [_Moved_] I thank you!
KING. What is that? You are crying?
ISRAEL. Perhaps, for now I am your equal in misfortune. I have lost my
son!
KING. He'll come back to you.
ISRAEL. [_As he is leaving_] Never!--Good-bye!
KING. [_Escorting him to the door_] Good-bye, Herman, old friend!
HERMAN ISRAEL _goes out_.
_The_ KING'S MOTHER-IN-LAW _enters from the left in the white
dress of a Cistercian nun_.
KING. [_Greeting her kindly_] Good morning, mother-in-law.
MOTHER-IN-LAW. Are you busy?
KING. Very much so.
MOTHER-IN-LAW. But not so much that you cannot hear the justified
complaint of a subject.
KING. You are too modest. However, let me decide whether your complaint
be justified or no. I must hear too many unjustified ones, God wot!
MOTHER-IN-LAW. If I condescend to make a complaint, you may be sure
that I have reasons for it.
KING. But they must be good. Most reasons are no good at all.--Is it a
question of Anders Persson and Mons Nilsson?
MOTHER-IN-LAW. No, of myself.
KING. Then you should be well informed at least.
MOTHER-IN-LAW. Is there law and justice in this country?
KING. Both law and justice, but also a lot of wrong-doing.
MOTHER-IN-LAW. Do you know that the Queen's mother--that is, I--has
been insulted by the mob?
KING. No, I didn't know, but I have long expected it, as I have told
you before this.
MOTHER-IN-LAW. You think it right, then?...
KING. No, I think it wrong of you to wear that dress in public, when
it is forbidden. And it is only out of respect for yourself and
your--hm!--sex, that I have not long ago ordered you to be stripped of
it.
MOTHER-IN-LAW. Ha-ha!
KING. And it has been wrong of me to leave the Convent of Vreta
standing for you to live in, when the law demands that it be tom down.
MOTHER-IN-LAW. Ha-ha!
KING. Since you, by persuading me into letting the convent remain, have
placed me before the public in the awkward position of a perverter
of justice, you should, at least, show me the consideration of not
appearing on the streets in that dress. And as I have given you
permission to come here _at your own risk_, you must bear that risk
yourself. To show you that justice exists, however, I shall see that
those who insulted you be found--they had no right to insult you, even
if you had been the humblest woman of the people. Now that matter is
settled! [_He goes to the door at the right and summons the_ COURTIER,
_who appears in the doorway_] Call four of the guards. Put two at
that door [_indicating the door at the left_] and two at the other
[_indicating the right-hand door_.
MOTHER-IN-LAW. Thus I am treated like a thief and a murderer by my own
kinsman....
KING. No, you are not! But no one knows what may happen.... It depends
on your own conduct.
MOTHER-IN-LAW. [_With a threat in her glance_] Do you call that freedom?
KING. It is freedom for me--to be free from unreasonable people.
_Two guards enter from the right_.
KING. [_Pointing at the left-hand door_] Outside that door. And no
one can get in here; literally no one! [_As the guards hesitate_]
If anybody should come, whoever it be--whoever it be, mind you--and
try to force his way in here, cut him down--cut him down! [_To his_
MOTHER-IN-LAW] I cannot show you the door, but I must warn you that two
executions will take place in this room within a few minutes.
MOTHER-IN-LAW. Here?
KING. Yes, here! Do you wish to look on?
MOTHER-IN-LAW. [_Approaching the door at the left_] I shall go in a
moment, but first you must hear something for your own benefit....
KING. If it is for _my_ benefit, I can guess the nature of it. Well,
spit it out now!
MOTHER-IN-LAW. This man Herman Israel, whom you regard as a friend, is
speaking ill of you on your back.
KING. When I do what's ill, he has the right to speak ill of me--has he
not?
MOTHER-EN-LAW. [_Going out in a huff_] Oh, it's impossible to reason
with you!
KING. Have you really discovered that at last?--At last! [_He goes to
the door at the right_] Let Master Olavus Petri come in.
MASTER OLAVUS _enters_.
KING. Good day, Olof. I have read your report on the conditions at
Copperberg, and I am pleased with you.--Have Anders Persson and Mons
Nilsson been arrested?
OLAVUS. They have been locked up since last night.
KING. [_Goes to the door at the right_] Order Anders Persson and Mons
Nilsson to be brought up here at once. [_To_ OLAVUS] Have you any proof
that the prisoners have been plotting with John Andersson?
OLAVUS. Proof and witnesses.
KING. Good!--Tell me something What do you think of Herman Israel--as a
man, and more particularly in his relationship to me?
OLAVUS. He seems to me a good and faithful friend of your Highness.
As a private person he is honest in every respect, big-minded, and
straight in all his actions.
KING. I am glad to hear it just now, when I have all but lost my faith
in friendship. So you think I can rely on him?
OLAVUS. Absolutely.
KING. Have you heard of the restlessness in the southern provinces?
OLAVUS. Yes, I am sorry to say.
KING. They say that it is pretty serious.
OLAVUS. So serious that nothing but quick and determined action can
save the country.
KING. Have you heard the Emperor's name mentioned in this connection?
OLAVUS. I have.
KING. I want a piece of advice, although I may not take it. What would
you, in my place, do with Anders Persson and Mons Nilsson?
OLAVUS. Have them executed before the sun has set.
KING. You are a stem man, Olof!
OLAVUS. Yes, why not?
KING. Do you think you could sleep nights--having shown that kind
of--sternness?
OLAVUS. Only then should I be able to sleep in peace....
KING. Very well!--Have you anything to ask me about?
OLAVUS. I have--but it's a delicate question.
KING. Let's see!
OLAVUS. It concerns the mother of the Queen....
KING. The people are muttering?
OLAVUS. The people think that when the King has ordered the
introduction of a new faith, he should not for family reasons overlook
the violation of the established law....
KING. It's not the people, but you, who are saying that....
OLAVUS. Suppose I took the liberty of telling my King the truth....
KING. You're no court fool who needs to run about dropping truths
wherever you go! [_Pause_] Now, I am willing to admit that the
indiscretion of my gracious mother-in-law puts me in a false position
toward the adherents of the new faith.... But this is not the
bedchamber, and we'll let that question stay where it belongs; back of
the bed curtains. Is there anything else?
OLAVUS. Nothing else. But this question....
KING. [_Hotly_] I'll solve myself!
OLAVUS. Can your Highness solve it?
KING. I think you ask too many questions!
OLAVUS. If it were a private matter, yes--but as it concerns the whole
country....
KING. Which I am looking after! I am looking after the whole country.
And if you must know, I have just settled that very question, so that
your advice is a little belated. The Convent of Vreta will be closed
before you have time to write another sermon. Do you realise now that I
have a right to be angry with your needless and unsolicited questions?
OLAVUS. I stand corrected!
KING. I have got you on account of my sins, and I suppose I must take
your faults with your merits, which are great. Now we are done with
_that I_ Go back and roar in your pulpit now. Here I do the roaring!
MASTER OLAVUS _goes out by the door at the right_.
KING. [_Standing in front of that door with folded hands and speaking
in a barely audible voice_] Eternal Lord, who rules the destinies of
princes and of peoples, illumine my mind and strengthen my will, so
that I may not judge unrighteously! [_He makes the sign of the cross
and mutters a brief prayer; then he opens the door_] Bring in the
prisoners!
_The door remains open while the_ KING _seats himself in the
chair of state_.
ANDERS PERSSON _and_ MONS NILSSON _are brought in_. _They look
around the room uneasily at first; then they start toward the_
KING.
KING. Stay where you are! [_Pause_] Once I called you my friends,
Anders Persson and Mons Nilsson. You know why. But that was long ago.
I let you keep life and goods when you had forfeited both, and thus
Providence rid me mercifully of the debt of gratitude I had come to owe
you. Two years ago you withdrew your oath of loyalty and opened war on
me for the sake of those bells. Being victorious, I had a right to your
heads, but I let you go. That's how my debt was paid. Your ingratitude
wiped out my gratitude, and so _that_ bill was settled. Now the time
has come for a new settlement, and this time the balance is against
you. To find out just where you stood, I invited you to my capital, and
you might have guessed that I would keep my eyes on you. My ears have
been open, too, and I have learned that you have begun plotting all
over again. Do you know John Andersson?
ANDERS _and_ MONS. No!
KING. [_Rising and approaching them angrily_] Do you know Dacke?
ANDERS _and_ MONS. [_Falling on their knees_] Mercy!
KING. Yes, mercy! But there will be no more mercy. You have had it
once, and twice is too much.
ANDERS _and_ MONS _make movements to speak_.
KING. Silence! I am doing the speaking now! You were going to talk
about friendship, of course. I cannot be the friend of my enemies,
and having cancelled your acquaintance, I don't even know you. Were
I to let old devotion influence my judgment, I should not be acting
as an unbiassed judge. And he who has incurred the disfavour of the
law cannot be helped by any favour of mine! That's enough words spent
on this matter! [_Goes to the door at the right_] Take away these
culprits, guard!
ANDERS. What is the sentence?
KING. That you lose life, honour, and property.
MONS _makes a gesture as if wishing to shake hands with the_
KING.
KING. _My_ hand? Oh, no! Shake hands with the heads-man, and kiss the
block--that's good enough for you!
ANDERS. One word!
KING. Not one!
ANDERS PERSSON _and_ MONS NILSSON _are led out_.
_The_ KING _turns his back on them and goes to the chair of
state, where he sinks down, burying his face in his hands_.
_Curtain_.
[1] Philippa of England, who died in 1430, was the queen of Eric of
Pomerania, who succeeded the great Queen Margaret on the united thrones
of the three Scandinavian kingdoms. She was as sweet and fine as he was
stupid and worthless, and to this day her memory survives among the
people.
[2] The Folkungs were the descendants of the puissant Earl Birger of
Håtuna, who, as an uncrowned king, ruled Sweden in very much the same
spirit as King Gustavus himself. The Folkung dynasty reigned from 1250
to 1389--and spent much of that time in fighting among themselves. King
Waldemar II gained the name of "Conqueror" by adding Esthonia and other
Baltic districts to Denmark.
ACT IV
FIRST SCENE
_A square at the foot of Brunkeberg, A fountain stands in the
centre. The Hansa House appears at the right. It is built of
red bricks, with windows in Gothic style. The windows are
barred outside and have shutters within. The gates are fastened
with heavy wooden beams. Above the gateway appear the flag and
coat of arms of Luebeck._
_At the left is a tavern with a sign-board bearing the
inscription: "The Golden Apple." There are trees in front of
it, and under these tables and benches. Next the foreground is
a bower with a table and benches within it_.
_The hillside of Brunkeberg forms the background. It contains a
number of gallows, wheels, and similar paraphernalia._
_There is a bench in front of the Hanseatic office_.
AGDA _and_ KARIN _are standing at the fountain when the curtain
rises_. AGDA _carries a water-jar, while_ KARIN _has a basket
full of flowers and wreaths_.
AGDA. You ask what that big red house is? It used to be the Convent of
St. Clara. Now it is the Hanseatic office.
KAREN. Do they ever buy any flowers there?
AGDA. Not now, I think. I used to bring flowers there when an image of
the Virgin Mary stood at the corner.--I wish she were there still!
KARIN. What do they do in that house? They tell so many queer stories
about it, and no one is ever admitted....
AGDA. Have you heard that, too? I suppose they buy and sell, like all
that come from Luebeck.
KARIN. Of course, but they say that people have disappeared in that
house and that those who live there are heathens who sacrifice....
AGDA. You have heard that, too? But it can't be true! Do you think so?
KARIN. How could I tell? And why are you so disturbed by those stories?
[AGDA _does not reply_] Gossip says that you used to have a friend in
there. Is it true?
AGDA. Well, as you have heard about it But whether he still be there
Oh, if I only knew!
KARIN. I'll ring and ask.
AGDA. No, no! You don't know what kind of people they are!
KARIN. Do you think they'll eat me? [_She goes up to the gateway and
putts a string; a bell is heard ringing inside_] Listen! That's the old
vesper bell! I know it! Bing-bong! Bing-bong!
AGDA. Stop it! Somebody might come.
KARIN. Isn't that what we want? But no one does come, my dear.--It's
a gruesome place. And I shall leave it alone now.--Do you know Prince
Eric, Agda?
AGDA. Yes, it was on his account they closed up the Blue Dove. Now I am
working over there, at the Golden Apple.
KARIN. They say that he used to be very polite to you.
AGDA. No, he was most impolite, not to say nasty.
KARIN. He had been drinking then. Otherwise he is merely miserable,
they say.
AGDA. Do you know him?
KARIN. No, I have only seen him, but I cannot forget his sad eyes and
his long face. He looks so much like a doll I had once--I called it
Blinkie Bloodless.... I suppose they are not kind to him at home,
either.
AGDA. Probably not, but a man has no right to act like a brute because
he is unhappy.
KARIN. Why do you talk like that? He drinks a lot of wine, like most
young men and Hush! Somebody is coming....
AGDA. Good-bye, Karin. I have to run....
[_She hurries into the tavern at the left_.
KARIN. [_As she goes to the right_] I'll be back.
PRINCE ERIC _and_ JORGHEN PERSSON _enter from the rear_.
ERIC. Here's my new well-spring of wine. Come quick to the bower here.
JORGHEN. And Agda is here, too!
ERIC. Well, what of it? [_Rapping on the table_.
AGDA _appears_.
ERIC. [_To_ AGDA] Bring us some Rhine wine and then make yourself
invisible. [_To_ JORGHEN] You know, Jorghen, I am facing a crucial
moment and must be ready to act at once. The King has lost his reason
and is committing acts that cannot be defended! Yesterday he cut off
the heads of those Dalecarlians. To-day comes the news that his troops
have been beaten by the peasants of Småland, who are now crossing
Holaved Forest.[1] Now the Dalecarlians will rise, of course, and
everything is lost.
JORGHEN. What does that concern us? Let the world perish, and I shall
laugh at it.
ERIC. But this is what beats everything else for madness. Finding his
treasury empty, the King, in his incredible simplicity, tries to borrow
money from these Luebeckians, who are his enemies.
JORGHEN. Well, if you need money, your enemies are the best ones to
take it from.
ERIC. If I am not crazy already, you'll make me so! Please be serious a
moment!
JORGHEN. [_Recites_]
"The ring of gold, and rattling dice,
And wine brings light to tipsy eyes.
But in the night, that light must lack,
To wenches leads each crooked track."
_At that moment_ AGDA _appears with the wine_.
ERIC. [_Laughing idiotically at_ JORGHEN'S _recitation_] Ha-ha! That's
a good one. But then, I made it myself.--Well, Agda, or Magda, or what
it is, where's your pawnbroker to-day?
AGDA _does not reply_.
ERIC. Do you know that those Hanseatic people are in the habit of
butchering little boys and selling them to the Turk?
AGDA. Is that true?
ERIC. There is some truth in it, I think.
JORGHEN. Let the maiden go before she begins to cry. I can't bear tears.
ERIC. I suppose you have never cried, Jorghen?
JORGHEN. Twice: when I was born, and once after that--out of rage.
ERIC. You are a beast, Jorghen.
AGDA _goes back into the tavern_.
JORGHEN. However--you wish to figure out what is to happen, and to
form a decision on the basis of your false calculations. Have you not
noticed how all our plans are foiled? That's the game of the gods.
Sometimes we act wisely, and everything goes to the devil, and then
we act like fools, and everything turns out right. It's nothing but
humbug--all of it!
ERIC. I think so, too, and yet there must be some sort of sense in it.
JORGHEN. Not as far as I can see. It's just like dicing.
ERIC. Let the dice rattle, then!
JORGHEN. Let them rattle! That's the right word for it. Now it's a
question of head or tail, however--whether the King is to be the tail,
and the man from Småland the head.... Look, who comes here!
KARIN _enters from the right_.
ERIC. [_Staring at her_] Who--is--that?
JORGHEN. A flower girl.
ERIC. No--this is--something else! Do you see?
JORGHEN. What?
ERIC. What I see--but, of course, you can't.
KARIN _comes forward, kneels before_ ERIC _and offers him a
wreath_.
ERIC. [_Rises, takes the wreath and places it on the head of_ KAREN;
_then to_ JORGHEN] Look! Now the wreath has been added to the crown.[2]
JORGHEN. What crown?
ERIC. Didn't you see? [_To_ KARIN] Get up, child! You should not be
kneeling to me, but I to you. I don't want to ask your name, for I
know who you are, although I have never seen you or heard of you
before.--What do you ask of me? Speak!
KAREN. [_Unaffectedly_] That your Grace buy my flowers.
ERIC. Put your flowers there. [_He takes a ring from one cf his fingers
and gives it to her_] There!
KARIN. No, I cannot wear that ring, your Grace--it's much too grand for
me. And if I try to sell it, I shall be seized as a thief.
ERIC. You are as wise as you are beautiful.
[_He gives her money_.
KARIN. I thank your Grace, but it is too much.
ERIC. As you named no price, I can do so myself.
KARIN _goes out. A long pause follows_.
ERIC. Did you see?
JORGHEN. Not a thing.
ERIC. Didn't you hear, either? Didn't you notice her voice?
JORGHEN. A voice like that of any jade--rather pert.
ERIC. Stop your tongue, Jorghen! I love her!
JORGHEN. She is not the first.
ERIC. Yes, the first, and the only one!
JORGHEN. Well, seduce her if you must.
ERIC. [_Drawing his sword_] Take care, or by God!...
JORGHEN. Have we now got to the poking point again?
ERIC. I don't know what has happened, but this moment has made me
despise you. The same city can't hold you and me. Your eyes defile me,
and your whole being stinks. I shall leave you, and I don't want to
see you face to face again.--It is as if an angel had come to take me
away from the habitations of the damned. I despise my whole past, as I
despise you and myself.
[_He goes out in the same direction as_ KARIN _went before_.
JORGHEN. Seems to be serious this time. But I guess you'll come back.
[_He raps on the table_.
AGDA _appears_.
JORGHEN. Do you know Karin, the flower girl?
AGDA. Yes, I do.
JORGHEN. What kind of a piece is she?
AGDA. A nice and decent girl, of whom I have never heard anything bad.
JORGHEN. Can you see anything beautiful about her?
AGDA. No, but she is rather pretty, and there is like a halo of
sweetness about her.
JORGHEN. Oh, it was that he saw, then!
AGDA. Tell me, secretary, are you really as hard as people say?
JORGHEN. I am not hard to anybody, child, but the world has been hard
to me ever since I was born.
AGDA. Why don't you always speak like that?
JORGHEN However, the Prince is enamoured, bewitched.
AGDA. Poor fellow!--Tell me, secretary, is the Prince quite right?
JORGHEN. You and your questions are very amusing. Let me ask you one
now. Hm! Do you think a woman could possibly--hm!--love me?
AGDA. No, I don't. [JORGHEN _looks offended_] Not unless you try to be
good.
JORGHEN. How the devil is that to be done?
AGDA. Shame! Shame!
JORGHEN. If you never see anything good, how can you believe in it?
AGDA. Tell me, secretary, did the Prince mean what he said about the
Hanseatic people and what they are doing in that house?
JORGHEN. No, child! That was only a cruel jest. But no Swedish
authority can interfere with what they are doing in there. That much
you should know, if you are worrying about your Jacob.
AGDA. Will you do me a favour? It won't cost you anything.
JORGHEN. With the greatest pleasure, my dear girl.
AGDA. Find Jacob for me! He had promised to meet me, and he never came.
We have been ringing the bell at the door, but no one answers.
JORGHEN. I don't want to hurt you, Agda, but unfortunately I have
reason to believe that all the Luebeck people have gone away on account
of the new rebellion.
AGDA. And he won't come back, you think?
JORGHEN. I don't like to prophesy, because it generally turns out the
other way, but I don't think he will be back soon.
AGDA. [_Sinking to the ground_] Lord Jesus!
JORGHEN. [_Rises and helps her to her feet_] What is it, girl?--Tell
me! [_in a lower voice_] A child?
AGDA. He had given me his promise.
JORGHEN. [_Genuinely moved_] Poor woman!
AGDA _watches him closely_.
JORGHEN. Misery, always misery, wherever love gets in its work!
AGDA. And you don't despise me?
JORGHEN. I pity you, as I pity all of us.
AGDA. Can you see now that good exists?
JORGHEN. Where?
AGDA. Within yourself.
JORGHEN. Pooh!--Is there anything else I can do for you?
AGDA. Yes, secretary, if you would write to Luebeck and ask Jacob....
JORGHEN. I have not much use for love-affairs, but I'll write,
nevertheless, provided we find that he really has gone away.
AGDA. [_Tries to kiss his hand, which he pulls away_] Thank you!
JORGHEN. What are you doing, woman? I am no bishop!--But hush! Here
comes illustrious company. So I think I'll sneak off!
_The stage has grown darker in the meantime_.
AGDA. Please, secretary, don't forget me now!
JORGHEN. So you don't trust me? Well, there is not much to trust in!
[_He goes out to the left_.
_The_ KING _enters, wearing his big blue cloak and his soft
black hat. He is using his boarspear as a staff._
PRINCE JOHAN _is with him, dressed very simply, as if to avoid
recognition_.
KING. [_Looking about_] Do you think we have been recognised?
JOHAN. No, I don't think so, father.
KING. Bing, then.
JOHAN. [_Putts the bell-rope outside the Hanseatic office]_ The bell
does not ring.
KING. Knock.
JOHAN. [_Rapping on the door_] Nobody seems to answer.
KING. [_Seating himself on the bench outside_] I must get hold of
Herman Israel this very evening--I must!
JOHAN. You are worried, father?
KING. I am certainly not at ease. [_Pause_.
JOHAN. Money cares again?
KING. Oh, don't talk of it!--Knock again.
JOHAN. [_Rapping at the door_] There is no one there.
_A crowd of beggars enter and kneel in front of the_ KING _with
hands held out in supplication_.
KING. Are you mocking me?
FIRST BEGGAR. We are perishing, my noble lord!
KING. I am perishing, too!--Why are you begging, anyhow?
SECOND BEGGAR. I'll tell you. Because the King has seized the tithes
that went to the poor before. And when he did so, he said: "You can
beg!"
KING. And what is he doing with the tithes of the poor?
FIRST BEGGAR. Paying Prince Eric's le-lecheries!
KING. No, paying the country's debt, you knaves! [_To_ JOHAN] Give them
money, so we get rid of them.
JOHAN. [_Distributing coins_] You'll have to share it between you, and
then away--at once!
_The beggars leave_.
KING. I wonder who sent them? Somebody must have sent them!--Knock
again. [JOHAN _does so_] What unspeakable humiliation! You see, my son,
that no matter how high up you get, new and then you have to climb down
again. But of anything like this I never dreamt.
[_He takes off his hat and wipes his forehead_.
JOHAN. May I speak?
KING. No, you may not, for I know what you mean to say.
MONS NILSSON'S _widow enters, led by_ BARBRO. _Both are in
mourning, and_ BARBRO _carries a document in her hand_.
BARBRO. [_To her mother_] That must be the Councillor himself.
WIDOW. Can that be Herman Israel who is sitting there? My eyes have
grown blind with sorrow.
BARBRO. It must be him.
_The two women approach the_ KING.
BARBRO. [To _the_ KING] Are you the Councillor?
KING. What do you want of him?
BARBRO. Mr. Syndic, we are the bereaved dependents of Mons Nilsson, and
we have come to pray that you put in a good word for us with the King.
KING. Why do you think the Councillor's word will be of any help?
BARBRO. We have been told that he is the King's only friend, and we
thought he might help us to get back the property of which we have been
unjustly deprived.
KING. Unjustly, you say? As a traitor, Mons Nilsson was judged forfeit
of life _and_ goods--which was only just!
BARBRO. But the dower of the innocent widow should not have been taken
with the rest.
KING. What is your name?
BARBRO. I was baptised with the name of Barbro, and the King himself
acted as my godfather when he was in Dalecarlia at that time.
KING. [_Rises, but sits down again immediately_] Barbro?--Have you ever
seen the King?
BARBRO. Not since I was too small to know him. But the last time he
visited Copperberg, my father was expecting him, and we children were
to greet him with a song.
KING. What song was that?
BARBRO. I cannot sing since my father came to his death so miserably,
but it was a song about King Gustavus and the Dalecarlians, and this is
the way it ended:
"You have by my side been fighting
Like sturdy Swedish men.
If God will spare my life-blood,
I'll do you good in stead."
KING. Say something really bad about the King!
BARBRO. No, father told us we must never do that, no matter what we
might hear other people say.
KING. Did your father tell you that?
BARBRO. Yes, he did.
KING. Go in peace now. I shall speak to the King, and you shall have
your rights, for he wants to do right, and he tries to do it.
BARBRO. [_Kneels and takes hold of the_ KING'S _hand, which she
kisses_] If the King were as gracious as you are, Councillor, there
would be no cause for worry.
KING. [_Placing his hand on_ BARBRO'S _head_] He is, my child, and I
know that he won't refuse his goddaughter anything. Go in peace now!
_The two women leave_.
KING. [_To_ JOHAN] Who can have sent them? Who?--Here I have to sit
like a defendant--I, the highest judge of the land!
JOHAN. May I say a word?
KING. No, because I can tell myself what you want to say. I can tell
that the hand of the Lord has been laid heavily upon me, although I
cannot tell why. If the Lord speaks through conscience and prayer, then
it is he who has made me act as I have acted. Why my obedience should
be punished, I cannot grasp. But I submit to a higher wisdom that lies
beyond my reason.--That girl was my goddaughter, and her father was my
friend, and I had to take his head.... Oh, cruel life, that has to be
lived nevertheless! [_Pause_] Knock again.
MARCUS. [_In travelling clothes, enters from the right_] Your Highness!
[_He kneels_.
KING. Still more?
MARCUS. A message from Herman Israel.
KING. At last!--Speak!
MARCUS. Herman Israel has this afternoon set sail for Luebeck.
KING. [_Rising_] Then I am lost!--God help me!
JOHAN. And all of us!
_The_ KING _and_ JOHAN _go out_. MARCUS _goes over to the
tavern and raps on one of the tables_.
AGDA. [_Appearing_] Is that you, Marcus?
MARCUS. Yes, Agda, it's me.
AGDA. Where is Jacob?
MARCUS. He has started on a journey--a very long one.
AGDA. Where?
MARCUS. I cannot tell. But he asked me to bring you his greeting and to
give you this ring.
AGDA. As a keepsake only, or as a plight of his troth?
MARCUS. Read what it says.
AGDA. [_Studying the ring_] Yes, I can spell a little "For ever," it
says. What does it mean?
MARCUS. I fear it means--farewell for ever.
AGDA. [_With a cry_] No, no, it means that he is dead!
MARCUS _does not answer_.
AGDA. Who killed him?
MARCUS. The law and his own crime. He rebelled against his father and
his country.
AGDA. To save mine!--Oh, what is to become of me?
MARCUS. [_Shrugging his shoulders_] That's the way of the world.
Nothing but deceit and uncertainty.
AGDA. Alas, he was like all the rest!
MARCUS. Yes, all human beings are pretty much alike. He who is no worse
than the rest is no better, either. Good-bye!
_Curtain_.
SECOND SCENE
_The study of_ MASTER OLAVUS PETRI. _There is a door on either
side of the room_.
OLAVUS _is writing at a table_.
CHRISTINE _is standing beside the table with a letter in her
hand._
CHRISTINE. Do I disturb you?
OLAVUS. [_Quietly and coldly_] Naturally, as I am writing.
CHRISTINE. Are you sure that you are writing?
OLAVUS. Absolutely sure.
CHRISTINE. But I have not seen your pen move for a long while.
OLAVUS. That was because I was thinking.
CHRISTINE. Once....
OLAVUS. Yes, once upon a time!
CHRISTINE. Can Reginald come in and say good-bye?
OLAVUS. Are we that far already?
CHRISTINE. The carriage is waiting and all his things have been packed.
OLAVUS. Let him come, then.
CHRISTINE. Are you certain that he is going to Wittenberg to study?
OLAVUS. I have seen too much uncertainty, as you know, to be certain of
anything. If you have reason to doubt the feasibility of his plans, you
had better say so.
CHRISTINE. If I had any doubts, I would not disturb you with them.
OLAVUS. Always equally amiable! Will you please ask Reginald to come
here?
CHRISTINE. I'll do whatever you command.
OLAVUS. And as I never command, but merely ask....
CHRISTINE. If you would command your precious son now and then, he
might be a little more polite and obedient to his mother.
OLAVUS. Reginald is hard, I admit, but you do wrong in trying to
educate him to suit your own high pleasure.
CHRISTINE. Do you side with the children against their parents?
OLAVUS. If I am not mistaken, I have always done so when the natural
rights of the children were concerned.
CHRISTINE. Have the children any natural rights to anything?
OLAVUS. Of course, they have! You haven't forgotten how we....
CHRISTINE. Yes, I have forgotten every bit of that old tommy-rot! I
have forgotten how you swore to love me. I have forgotten the noise
made about the pope's beard, and the stealing of the church silver,
and the humbug with the bells, and the _pure_ faith, and roast ducks
and cackling swans, and martyrs with a taste for fighting, and the
following of Christ with wine and women, and the scratching of eyes and
tearing of hair, until we now have twenty-five brand new faiths in
place of a holy Catholic Church.... I have forgotten every bit of it!
OLAVUS. Perhaps that was the best thing you could do. And will you
please ask Reginald to come here now?
CHRISTINE. Certainly, I'll ask him to come here, and it will be a great
pleasure to do so. [_She goes out to the left_.
OLAVUS. [_Alone, speaking to himself_] Happy she, who has been able to
forget! I remember everything!
CHRISTINE _returns with_ REGINALD.
REGINALD. I want mother to go out, because I can't talk when she is
here.
OLAVUS. There won't be so very much to talk about.
CHRISTINE. I won't say a word; only listen--and look at you. [_She
seats herself_.
REGINALD. No, you mustn't look at us.
OLAVUS. Be quiet, boy, and be civil to your mother! When you go
travelling, there is no telling whether you ever come back.
REGINALD. So much the better!
OLAVUS. [_Painfully impressed_] What's that?
REGINALD. I am tired of everything, and I just wish I were dead!
OLAVUS. Yes, that's the way youth talks nowadays!
REGINALD. And why? Because we don't know what to believe!
OLAVUS. Oh, you don't? And how about the articles of confession? Don't
you believe in them?
REGINALD. Believe, you say? Don't you know that belief comes as a grace
of God?
OLAVUS. Are you a Calvinist?
REGINALD. I don't know what I am. When I talk with Prince Johan, he
says I am a papist, and when I meet Prince Eric, he tells me I am a
follower of Zwingli.
OLAVUS. And now you wish to go to Wittenberg to learn the true faith
from Doctor Martin Luther?
REGINALD. I know his teachings and don't believe in them,
OLAVUS. Is that so?
REGINALD. To him belief is everything, and deeds nothing. I have
believed, but it didn't make my deeds any better at all, and so I felt
like a perfect hypocrite in the end.
OLAVUS. Is Prince Johan a Catholic?
REGINALD. So he must be, as he sticks to deeds, which ought to be the
main thing.
OLAVUS. And Prince Eric belongs to the Reformed Church, you say?
REGINALD. Yes, in so far as he believes in the dispensation of grace.
And Jorghen Persson must be a Satanist, I think. And young Sture is
absolutely an Anabaptist....
OLAVUS. Well, this is news to me! I thought the days of schism were
past....
REGINALD. Schism, yes--that's the word Prince Johan is using always. We
had a Catholic Church, and then....
OLAVUS. Oh, shut your mouth and go to Wittenberg!
REGINALD. As it is your wish, father--but I won't study any more
theology.
OLAVUS. Why not?
REGINALD. I think it is device of the devil to make people hate each
other.
CHRISTINE. Good for you, Reginald!
OLAVUS. And it had to come to this in my own house! _Pulchre, bene,
rede!_--Who, Reginald, do you think has caused this dissension under
which you young people are suffering now?
REGINALD. That's easily answered.
OLAVUS. Of course! We old ones, you mean? But we, too, were children of
our time, and were stripped of our faith by our prophets. Who is, then,
to blame?
REGINALD. No one.
OLAVUS. And what do you mean to do with your future?
REGINALD. My future? It appears to me like a grey mist without a ray
of sunlight. And should a ray ever break through, it will at once be
proved a will-o'-the-wisp leading us astray.
OLAVUS. That's just how I felt once! At your age I could see my whole
future as in vision. I foresaw the bitter cup and the pillory. And yet
I had to go on. I had to enter the mist, and I myself had to carry the
will-o'-the-wisp that _must_ lead the wanderers astray. I foretold this
very moment, even, when my son would stand before me saying: "Thus I
am, because thus you have made me!" You noticed, perhaps, that I was
not surprised--and this is the reason.
REGINALD. What am I to do? Advise me!
OLAVUS. You, no more than I, will follow the advices given you.
REGINALD. Inform me, then! Tell me: what is life?
OLAVUS. That's more than I know. But I think it must be a punishment
or an ordeal. At your years I thought I knew everything and understood
everything. Now I know nothing and understand nothing. For that reason
I rest satisfied with doing my duty and bearing what comes my way.
REGINALD. But I want to know!
OLAVUS. You want to know what is not allowed to be known. Try to know
and you will perish!--However, do you want to go or stay?
REGINALD. I am going to Wittenberg to pull Luther to pieces!
OLAVUS. [_Wholly without irony_] That's the way to speak! O thou
splendid youth with thy Alexandrian regret that there are no more
things to pull to pieces!
REGINALD. Are you not a Lutheran?
OLAVUS. I am a Protestant.
CHRISTINE. If you have finished now, I shall ask permission to tell in
a single word what Luther is--just one word!
OLAVUS. Oh, do, before you burst!
CHRISTINE. Luther is dead!
OLAVUS. Dead?
CHRISTINE. That's what my brother-in-law writes me in this letter from
Magdeburg.
OLAVUS. [_Rising_] Dead! [_To_ REGINALD] My poor Alexander, what will
you pull to pieces now?
REGINALD. First the universe, and then myself.
OLAVUS. [_Pushing him toward the door at the left_] Go ahead, then, but
begin with yourself. The universe will always remain.
CHRISTINE. [_As she rises and is about to go out with_ REGINALD] Will
there be peace on earth now?
OLAVUS. That will never be!--Let me have that letter.
CHRISTINE _and_ REGINALD _go out to the left_.
_While_ OLAVUS _is reading the letter, a hard knock is heard at
the right-hand door_.
OLAVUS. Come!
_The knock is repeated_. OLAVUS _goes to the door and opens it.
The_ KING _enters, wearing his big hat and his cloak, which he
throws of_.
OLAVUS. The King!
KING. [_Very excited_] Yes, but for how long? Do you know who Dacke
is?--A farm labourer who has killed a bailiff; a common thief and
incendiary, who is now writing to me with a demand of answer. I am
to take pen in hand and open correspondence with a scamp like him!
Do you know that he has crossed the Kolmord Forests and stands with
one foot in West Gothia and the other in East Gothia?--Who is back
of him? The Emperor, the Elector Frederick of the Palatinate, Magnus
Haraldsson, the runaway Bishop of Skara, the Duke of Mecklenburg. The
Emperor wishes to put the children of Christian the Tyrant back on the
throne.[3] But what troubles me more than anything else is to find the
Luebeckians and Herman Israel on the same side--my old friend Herman! I
ask you how it can be possible. And who has done this to me? Who?--Have
you not a word to say?
OLAVUS. What can I say, and what--_may_ I say?
KING. Don't be hard on me, Olof, and don't be vengeful, I am nothing
but an unfortunate human creature who has had to drink humiliation like
water, and I come to you as my spiritual guide. I am in despair because
I fear that the Lord has deserted me for ever.--What an infernal notion
of mine that was to take the head of the Dalecarlians just now, when I
am in such need of them! Do you think that deed was displeasing to the
Lord? But if I have sinned like David, you must be my Nathan.
OLAVUS. I have lost the power of prophecy, and I am not the right man
to inflict punishment.
KING. Console me, then, Olof.
OLAVUS. I cannot, because only those who repent can accept consolation.
KING. You mean that I have transgressed--that I have gone too far?
Speak up! But do it like a servant of the Lord, and not like a
conceited schoolmaster.... Have I gone too far?
OLAVUS. That is not the way to put the question. The proper way is to
ask whether the others have any right on their side.
KING. Go ahead and ask!
OLAVUS. Dacke is the mouthpiece of warranted dissatisfaction. Being
the brother-in-law of Christian II, the Emperor is the guardian of his
children, and they have inherited a claim to the Swedish throne, as
the constitution cannot be cancelled by a rebellion.[4] Bishop Magnus
Haraldsson is the spokesman of all the illegally exiled bishops.
KING. Illegally, you say?
OLAVUS. [_Raising his voice_] Yes, because the law of Sweden does not
drive any man away on account of his faith.
KING. Take care!
OLAVUS. Too late now!--The dissatisfaction of the peasants is
warranted, because the Riksdag at Vesterås authorised the King to seize
only the property of bishops and convents. When he took what belonged
to parish churches and private persons, he became guilty of a crime.
KING. You are a daring man!
OLAVUS. Nothing compared with what I used to be!--As far as Herman
Israel is concerned, he called recently on the King to offer a treaty
of friendship, and it was stupid of the King to reject it.
KING. Stop!
OLAVUS. Not yet!--The gold and silver of the churches was meant to pay
the debt to Luebeck, and much of it was used for that purpose, but a
considerable part found its way to Eskil's Chamber under the Royal
Palace, and has since been wasted on Prince Eric's silly courtships
among other things....
KING. The devil you say!
OLAVUS. Well, Queen Elizabeth is merely making fun of him.
KING. Do you know that?
OLAVUS. I do.--The bells were also to be used in payment of the debt to
Luebeck, but a part of them went to the foundry and were turned into
cannon, which was not right.
KING. Is that so?
OLAVUS. Add also that the Convent of Vreta was left unmolested
in violation of the ordinance concerning the closing of all such
places--and for no other reason than that the King's mother-in-law
happened to be a Catholic. This is a cowardly and mischievous omission
that has caused much bad blood.
KING. The convent is to be closed.
OLAVUS. It should be closed _now_, and it is not!--If I were to sum
up what is reprehensible in my great King, I should call it a lack of
piety.
KING. That's the worst yet! What do you mean?
OLAVUS. Piety is the respect shown by the stronger even if he be a man
of destiny--for the feelings of the weaker, when these spring from a
childlike, and for that reason religious, mind.
KING. Oh, is that what it is?
OLAVUS. Now I have said my say.
KING. Yes, so you have--time and again.
OLAVUS. And if my King had been willing to listen now and then, he
would have learned a great deal more. But it is a common fault of
princes that they won't listen to anybody but themselves.
KING. Well, I never heard the like of it! I am astounded--most of all
because I haven't killed you on the spot!
OLAVUS. Why don't you?
KING. [_Rises and goes toward_ OLAVUS, _who remains standing unabashed,
looking firmly at the approaching_ KING; _the latter withdraws backward
and sits down again; for a few moments the two men stare at each other
in silence; then the_ KING _says]_ Who are you?
OLAVUS. A humble instrument of the Lord, shaped to serve what is really
great--that marvellous man of God, to whom it was granted to unite all
Swedish men and lands.
KING. That was granted Engelbrecht, too, and his reward was the axe
that split his head.[5] Is that to be my reward, too?
OLAVUS. I don't think so, your Highness, but it depends on yourself.
KING. What am I to do?
OLAVUS. What you advised me to do when I was carried away by the zeal
of my youth.
KING. And you think it necessary to return that advice to me now?
OLAVUS. Why not? I have learned from life, and you have forgotten.
KING. What am I to do?
OLAVUS. Answer Dacke's letter.
KING. Never! Am I to bow down to a vagabond?
OLAVUS. The Lord sometimes uses mere vagabonds for our humiliation.
Picture it to yourself as an ordeal by fire.
KING. [_Rising and walking the floor_] There is truth in what you say.
I can feel it, but it does not fetch bottom in my mind. Say one word
more.
OLAVUS. Dacke will be right as long as you are in the wrong, and God
will be with him until you take your place on the side of right.
KING. I can't bend!
OLAVUS. Then you'll be broken by someone else.
KING. [_Walking back and forth_] Are you thinking of the Dalecarlians?
Have you heard of a rising among them on account of the executions?
OLAVUS. Such a thing has been rumoured.
KING. I am lost.
OLAVUS. Write to Dacke!
KING. [_Without conviction_] I won't.
OLAVUS. The Emperor does.
KING. That's true! If the Emperor can write to him, why shouldn't
I?--But it is perfectly senseless. Who is this mysterious man who never
appears?
OLAVUS. Perhaps another marvellous man of God--in his own way.
KING. I must see him face to face. I'll write and offer him
safe-conduct, so that I can talk with him. That's what I'll do.--Bring
me pen and paper! Or you write, and I'll dictate.
OLAVUS _seats himself at the table_.
KING. How do we begin? What am I to call him?
OLAVUS. Let us merely put down "To Nils Dacke."
KING. Oh, his name is Nils? After St. Nicolaus, who comes with rods for
children on the sixth of December?[6] [_Pause_] Write now.... No, I'll
go home and do the writing myself.... Have you heard that Luther is
dead?
OLAVUS. I have, your Highness.
KING. He was a splendid man! May he rest in peace!--Yes, such as he
was, he was a fine man, but we got rather too much of him.
OLAVUS. Too many dogmas and not enough of religion.
KING. He was an obstinate fellow and went too far. What he needed was
a taskmaster like you to call him to terms now and then.
OLAVUS. I hope the time of schism and dissension will come to an end
now.
KING. A time of dissension you may well call it!--Good-bye, Olof. [_As_
OLAVUS _makes a mien of saying something_] Yes, yes, I _will_ write!
_Curtain_.
[1] A rough and inaccessible forest region on the eastern shore of Lake
Vettern, marking the border-line between the province of Småland in the
south and Ostergötland (East Gothia) in the north.
[2] As far back as we know the two principal ornaments of a Swedish
bride have been the crown--sometimes woven out of myrtle and sometimes
made of metal and semi-precious stones--and the wreath, always made of
myrtle.
[3] The Elector Frederick was a son-in-law of the deposed Christian II
of Denmark, and also one of the trusted liegemen of Emperor Charles V,
who hoped to see him the head of a reunited Scandinavia dominated by
German influences.
[4] Christian II was married to Isabelle, sister of Charles V.
[5] Engelbrecht Engelbrechtsson, a free miner of Dalecarlia, was the
first one of a series of notable chieftains who led the Swedish people
in their determination to rid the country of the Danish kings after
these had shown a growing inclination to treat Sweden as a Danish
province, and not as an independent kingdom, united on equal terms
with Denmark and Norway. At the head of the Dalecarlians, Engelbrecht
began the work of liberation in 1434, and was remarkably successful
in a short time. Unfortunately, he was treacherously and shamefully
killed while crossing the Lake Maelaren only two years later. To the
Swedes he has ever since been the symbol of their national independence
and unity, and he, the simple country squire, remains to this day one
of the most beloved and revered figures in Swedish history. It is to
him Barbro refers in the opening scenes of the play, and his name is
heard again in the closing scenes, with the appearance of his simpler
namesake.
[6] An old Swedish custom and superstition, prescribing that every
child must be spanked on the date mentioned in order to insure its
obedience during the whole ensuing year. That custom still survived
when the translator was a child, although for many decades the spanking
had been a mere formality serving as an excuse for some little gift or
treat.
ACT V
_The terrace in front of the Royal Palace, with trimmed hedges,
statuary, and a fountain. Chairs, benches, and tables are
placed about. The near background shows a balustrade with
Tuscan columns, on which are placed flowers in faïence pots.
Beyond the balustrade appear tree tops, and over these tower
the tops of masts, from which blue and yellow flags are flying.
In the far background, a number of church spires_.
_The_ MOTHER-IN-LAW _of the_ KING _is on the terrace in her
Cistercian dress_.
QUEEN. [_Enters_] For the last time I beg you, mother, don't wear that
dress!
MOTHER-IN-LAW. It is my festive garb, and I am as proud of it as you of
your ermine robe.
QUEEN. What is the use of being proud? The day of disaster is upon us
all, and we must hold together.
MOTHER-IN-LAW. Let us do so then, and have peace.
QUEEN. Yes, so you say, but you won't even change dress for the sake of
the country's peace.
MOTHER-IN-LAW. I don't change faith as you change clothes, and there is
a solemn vow to God connected with this dress. The people are making
threats against my life. Let them take it! I have my grave-clothes on.
QUEEN. Don't you know that we may have to flee this very day, if the
news should prove as bad as yesterday?
MOTHER-IN-LAW. I will not flee.
QUEEN. Everything has already been packed by order of the King, and our
sloop lies at the foot of the southern hills, ready to hoist sail.
MOTHER-IN-LAW. I have nothing to pack, because I own nothing. "Be thou
faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life." That's what
I used to learn. But you have sold your birthright for a crown which
soon will no longer be yours.
QUEEN. Go on and punish me; it feels like a relief.
PRINCE ERIC _appears on the terrace; his dress and appearance
are orderly, and his mien subdued_.
MOTHER-IN-LAW. Can you tell me what has come over Eric these last days?
He looks quite submissive, and something new has come into his face
that used to be so hard.
QUEEN. I don't know, but they say that he has changed his ways and
cannot bear the company of Jorghen. I have heard whispers about a
serious affection....
MOTHER-IN-LAW. No!
QUEEN. [_To_ ERIC] What news do you bring?
ERIC. [_Gently and respectfully_] No news at all, mother.
QUEEN. [_To her mother_] He called me mother! [_To_ ERIC] How fare you,
Eric? Is life heavy?
ERIC. Heavier than it was the day before yesterday.
QUEEN. What happened yesterday?
ERIC. What happens to a human being only once in a lifetime.--Are you
much wiser now?
QUEEN. [_To her mother_] How childlike he has grown! [_To_ Eric] Have
you heard anything of your friend Jacob?
ERIC. Yes, he was my real friend, and so they took his head.
QUEEN. Now you are unjust. There has been no attempt to take the head
of Jorghen....
ERIC. He is no longer my friend. [_Peevishly_] But now I don't want to
be questioned any longer, least of all about my secrets--that is, about
the secrets of my heart.
Queen. [_To her mother_] He is quite charming in his childishness.
Apparently he would love to talk of his secret.
PRINCE JOHAN _enters_.
ERIC. [_Going to meet him_] Soon we may have nothing left to fight
over, brother Johan, and so--it seems to me we may as well be friends.
JOHAN. With a right good heart, brother! Nothing could give me greater
pleasure.
ERIC. Give me your hand! [_They shake hands_] I don't want to be the
enemy of any human being after this.
[_He goes out, deeply moved_.
MOTHER-IN-LAW. [_To_ Johan] What's the matter with Eric?
JOHAN. He has found a sweetheart, they say.
QUEEN. What did I say?
MOTHER-IN-LAW. Are you coming with me to the mass in the chapel, Johan?
[_When_ JOHAN _hesitates and does not answer, she says sharply_] Johan!
QUEEN. Mother!
MOTHER-IN-LAW. Is he free to follow his conscience, or is he not?
QUEEN. If you will leave his conscience alone, he will be free.
MOTHER-IN-LAW. Well, I am going, and you know where, Johan. [_She goes
out_.
QUEEN. Johan!
JOHAN. What do you wish?
QUEEN. That you do not desert your childhood faith.
JOHAN. My childhood faith, which I got from my nurse, and not from you,
was also the childhood faith of my father. Why did you not give me
yours?
QUEEN. Yes, punish me. You have a right to do so. Everything comes home
to us now. I was young then. Life was nothing but a game. The King
demanded my company at banquets and festivities, and so your cradle was
left unattended and unguarded. Those were the days when we were drunk
with victory and happiness. And now!--Go where you find it possible to
worship, Johan, and pray for your mother!
JOHAN. If it hurts my gracious mother, I won't go.
QUEEN. Pray for us all! [_In a lowered voice_] I do not know the new
prayers and must not use the old ones!--Hush now! The King is coming.
PRINCE JOHAN _goes in the direction previously taken by the_
KING'S MOTHER-IN-LAW.
_The_ KING _enters, holding a letter in his hand. He is
accompanied by_ MASTER OLAVUS PETRI.
KING. [_To the_ QUEEN] Have everything ready for the start. We are lost!
QUEEN. The will of God be done!
KING. That's what seems to be happening. Go and look after your house,
child.
_The_ QUEEN _goes out_.
KING. [_To_ OLAVUS] This is the situation. Dacke answers that he
does not care to see "that rebel, and perjurer, and breaker of
safe-conducts, Ericsson." He rails me Ericsson, mind you. His people
have reached as far north as Södermanland--which means that they are
right at our gates! Furthermore, two thousand Dalecarlians are encamped
at the North Gate. Their intentions are not known, but can easily be
guessed. A fine prophet you are, Olof!
OLAVUS. We have not seen the end yet.
KING. Where do you get your confidence from?
OLAVUS. That's more than I can tell, but I know that everything will
end well.
KING. You say that you know? How do you know? I have ceased to believe
anything--except in the wrath of God, which has been turned against me.
I am now waiting for the axe. Good and well! I have done my service
and am now to be discharged. That's why I wish to leave before I am
kicked out.--Do you know what day it is to-day? Nobody has thought of
it, and I didn't remember until just now.... It is Midsummer Day: _my_
day, which no one celebrates. A generation ago I made my entry into
the capital on this day. That was the greatest moment of my life. I
thought the work of liberation was done, and I thanked God for it!--But
it had not been done, and I am not done with it yet.--The Dalecarlians
rose. I subdued them, and thought that I was done, which I was not.
Twice more they rose, and each time I gave thanks to God, thinking I
had done--which was not the case. The lords of West Gothia rose. I
squelched them, and was happy, thinking that I surely must have done
by that time--which I had not. And now, Olof?--We are never done until
done for--and that's where I am now!
OLAVUS. Oh, no, there is a whole lot left.
KING. Where do you get your fixed ideas from? Have you heard some bird
sing, or have you been dreaming?
OLAVUS. Neither.
KING. [_Listening_] Listen! That's the sound of birch-horns. Do they
mean to give me a crown of birch, like the one I gave to Peder the
Chancellor and Master Knut? Or is it the scaffold that.... that?...
OLAVUS. Oh, don't!
KING. What was it you called that thing--piety? Much it would have
availed me to have piety at Larv Heath or Tuna Plain![1]--No, I have
been right, right, right, so God help me, amen!
OLAVUS _makes no answer_.
KING. [_Listening_] They have drums, too.--Oh, everything comes
home!--Do you think I can get out of this, Olof?
OLAVUS. I do! And let me give you a final piece of advice: don't leave!
KING. I don't see how it can be avoided. Do you think I'll let them
take my head?--Do you know, I can actually hear the tramp-tramp of
their feet as they come marching through the North Gate. And that's the
Dalecarlians--my own Dalecarlians! Oh, life is cruel! Can you hear it?
Tramp--tramp--tramp! Do you think I can get out of this?
OLAVUS. I do.
KING. When the sun rises to-morrow I shall know my fate. I wish I were
that far already!--Now I hear something else! [_The reading of a litany
in Latin is faintly heard from the outside_] What is that?
OLAVUS. [_Goes to the balustrade and looks over it_] The Queen's mother
is reading the Romish litany.
KING. But I hear a male voice, too.
OLAVUS. That's Prince Johan.
KING. Johan?--So I must drink that cup, too! I wonder if the cup is
full yet? Is everything that I have built to be torn down?
OLAVUS. Everything you have torn down must be built up again.
KING. Johan a papist, and Eric a Calvinist!--Do you remember the days
when we were crying in the words of Von Hutten: "The souls are waking
up, and it is a joy to live"? A joy to live, indeed--ha-ha! And the
souls woke up to find their feet on the pillows! Was it you who said
that the gods are playing with us?--Hush! I was mistaken a while ago!
It's the North Bridge they are crossing! Can't you hear their heavy
tread on the planking of the bridge? Let us fly! [_He puts a document
on a table_] Here I place my resignation.
OLAVUS. [_Seizing the document_] I'll take care of that. I'll keep
it--as a memento! And now we'll hoist a flag of truce.
_He pulls a white cloth from one of the tables and ties it to
the branch of a tree_.
PRINCE ERIC. [_Enters_] Father!
KING. Croak away, raven!
ERIC. Our last hope is gone! The sloop has dragged its anchor and gone
ashore.
KING. [_In desperation_] And lightning has struck the nursery, and the
grasshoppers have eaten the crops, and the waters are rising, and....
ERIC. The Dalecarlians are negotiating with the palace guards, and they
are awfully drunk.
KING. [_Sitting down_] Come on, death!
ERIC. [_Listening_] I can hear their wooden shoes on the garden stairs!
[_He goes to the balustrade_.
KING. [_Counting on his fingers_] Anders Persson, Mons Nilsson, Master
John.
ERIC. [_Drawing his sword_] Now he is here!
_He can be seen following somebody on the other side of the
balustrade with his eyes_.
KING. [_As before_] Inghel Hansson, Master Stig, Nils of Söderby. God
is just!
ENGELBRECHT. [_Enters; he is in the happy stage of intoxication, but
in full control of his movements for all that; he looks about with a
broad grin on his face, a little embarrassed, and yet pleased; then he
says to_ ERIC] Are you the King?
_He puts his hat on the ground and takes off his wooden shoes_.
KING. [_Rising and pushing_ ERIC _aside_] No, I am the King!
ENGELBRECHT. Yes, so I see now!
KING. Who are you?
ENGELBRECHT. [_Faltering_] Don't you know me?...
KING. I don't.
ENGELBRECHT. [_Pulls a dagger with silver handle out of his long
stocking and shows it to the_ KING, _grinning more broadly than ever_]
Well, don't you know this one?
KING. I don't understand at all. What is your name?
ENGELBRECHT. Well--it happens to be Engelbrecht!
KING. Eng-el-brecht?
ENGELBRECHT. It sounds mighty big, but I am not of _that_ family.--You
see, it was like this--once upon a time the King--who was no king at
all then--oh, mercy, but I am drunk!... Well, it was me who followed
you on skis to the border of Norway, and that time you gave me this
here dagger and said: "If you ever need me, come on!" Now I've come,
and here I am! And I wish only that I was not so frightfully drunk!
KING. And what do you want?
ENGELBRECHT. What I want?--I want to fight that man Dacke, of course,
and that's what the rest of them want, too.
KING. You want to _fight_ Dacke?
ENGELBRECHT. Why do you think we have come, anyhow?
KING. [_Raising his arms toward heaven_] Eternal God, now you have
punished me!
ENGELBRECHT. Is it all right? You see, the rest are down there and
they'd like to do something to celebrate the day.
KING. _Is it all right?_--Ask me for a favour!
ENGELBRECHT. [_After thinking hard_] I'd like to shake hands!
_The_ KING _holds out his hand_.
ENGELBRECHT. [_Looking at the_ King's _hand_] My, what a fist! Hard as
nails, but clean! Yes, and a devil of a fellow you are, all in all!--I
must say I was rather scared when I came here!
KING. Are all the rest of them as drunk as you are?
ENGELBRECHT. About the same! But they can toot the horns for all that.
[_He goes to the balustrade, waves his hand and utters the yell used by
the Dalecarlians in calling their cows_] Poo-ala! Poo-ala! Poo Oy-ala!
Oy-ala! Oy!
_The blowing of horns and beating of drums is heard from the
outside_.
_The_ KING _goes to the balustrade and waxes his hand_.
_The_ MOTHER-IN-LAW _appears in court dress_.
_The_ QUEEN _enters and goes to the_ KING, _who folds her in
his arms_.
PRINCE JOHAN _enters and goes to the balustrade_.
KING. [_With raised arms_] You have punished me, O Lord, and I thank
thee!
_Curtain_
[1] Larv Heath was the place where the dissatisfied lords
of West Gothia summoned the peasants to meet them in 1529, when they
tried to raise the province against the King. Tuna Plain, to which Mons
Nilsson and his friends refer a number of times in the first act, was
the place where Gustav settled his first score with the obstreperous
Dalecarlians.
MUSICAL APPENDIX TO "THE BRIDAL CROWN"
MELODY No. 1.--Kersti plays on the alpenhorn
MELODY No. 2.--Kersti sings through the horn
MELODY No. 3.--Mats sings in the distance
MELODY No. 4.--The Mother Sings
MELODY No. 5.--Kersti plays on the alpenhorn
MELODY No. 6.--Mats sings in the distance
MELODY No. 7.--Kersti sings
MELODY No. 8.--Mats sings
MELODY No. 9.--Kersti sings
MELODY No. 10.--Mats sings
MELODY No. 11.--Canon played by ten hunting-horns
MELODY No. 12.--The Neck sings and plays
MELODY No. 13.--Mats sings outside
MELODY No. 14.--Bridesmaids sing outside
MELODY No. 15.--Bugle-call in the distance
MELODY No. 16.--Six girls sing
MELODY No. 17.--Swedish Dance played by fiddlers
MELODY No. 18.--Neck plays (two violins)
MELODY No. 19.--Song of the long-tailed duck
MELODY No. 20.--The Neck sings to the harp
NOTE TO THE MUSIC
The song of the long-tailed duck is given by Strindberg in the first
part of his "The Swedish People in War and Peace."
Melody No. 20 does not appear in the Swedish edition of the play. It
is given by Emil Schering in an appendix to his German version of
it--apparently from a manuscript placed at his disposal by Strindberg
himself.
Melodies Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 16, and 17
have been taken by Strindberg--without any changes--from Richard
Dybeck's "Svenska Vallvisor och Hornlåtar" ("Swedish Herd-Songs and
Horn-Melodies"), Stockholm, 1846.